Definition: Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jewsâ language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from the Book of Kings. It’s a really strange and dramatic passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it’s a desperate plea from a Jewish official, Rabshakeh, who is incredibly angry. “Rabshakeh stood…” : He's speaking from a position of significant power – likely a leader or high-ranking figure. “…and cried with a loud voice…” : He's expressing intense frustration and perhaps even fear. It’s not a peaceful, calm cry; it’s a forceful outburst. “in the Jewsâ language…” : This is key! He’s speaking in Hebrew, but he’s using words that are very familiar to the Jewish people – words that have been used for centuries. It's as if he's trying to shock or provoke them. “…and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:” He continues with a direct address to the people of Israel. He’s telling them that the King of Assyria , a powerful and often feared kingdom known for its brutal military force, is coming. What's happening next? The verse immediately sets up a HUGE problem. The Bible tells us that Assyria was a powerful empire ruled by a king named destructive – this is the name “Assyria” means "destructive." This King of Assyria is prophesied to be incredibly angry and will unleash terrible punishment on Israel. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse is a warning about impending disaster. It’s suggesting that Assyria was going to be a major threat to Israel, and this king’s anger is a sign of something terrible about to happen. In short, it's a dramatic declaration from a leader expressing fear and acknowledging the potential for immense destruction. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (e.g., political tension)?