Definition: But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short but powerful verse from Isaiah 36:21. It’s a really significant moment in the story of Jesus’s ministry. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus was being questioned by the Roman guards – essentially, they were trying to silence him! They weren’t looking for a direct answer, but rather to keep quiet. They wanted to avoid any potential trouble or conflict. What happened next? They Held Their Peace: The guards simply stayed silent and didn't speak. They Didn’t Answer a Word: They didn’t respond to Jesus at all. This is the key part. The King’s Commandment: This verse refers to a specific rule given by the Roman king, who was in charge of the region where Jesus was being held captive. The king gave a strict command: “Answer him not.” What does it mean? It means Jesus completely ignored the guards. He didn’t give them any explanation, he didn't defend himself, and he simply didn’t respond to their attempts to stop him. Why is this important? This seemingly simple act of silence was incredibly significant for several reasons: It showed Jesus’s power: He wasn’t intimidated by the guards. He held his ground and didn't yield to them. It prepared the way for his arrest: The guard’s attempts to silence him were a deliberate tactic to prevent him from speaking. By remaining silent, Jesus was subtly positioning himself for his eventual arrest and crucifixion. It foreshadowed his future suffering: This moment is often seen as a preview of what was to come – Jesus's suffering and sacrifice. In short, this verse describes a moment of quiet defiance where Jesus completely ignored those trying to silence him, setting the stage for a pivotal event in Christian history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context about the story of Isaiah 36:21? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger narrative of Jesus’s ministry?