Isaiah 36:5
ESV
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?
NIV
You say you have counsel and might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?
NASB
I say, ‘Your plan and strength for the war are only empty words.’ Now on whom have you relied, that you have revolted against me?
CSB
You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. Who are you now relying on that you have rebelled against me?
NLT
Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?
KJV
I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
NKJV
I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?
What does Isaiah 36:5 mean?
The Rabshakeh of Sennacherib (Isaiah 36:4) is the king's spokesperson and perhaps most trusted advisor. He confronts representatives of King Hezekiah outside Jerusalem. He has not been polite, launching immediately into a challenging question: What are you trusting to save yourself?Hezekiah, along with other nations in the region, made the bold decision not to pay tribute to the Assyrians after the recent death of Sennacherib's father, Sargon II. Many were hopeful that the Assyrians had been weakened after Sargon II had been killed, so they took the opportunity to band together in defiance. Sennacherib's reign of terror through the land had proven that unwise, so far.
Isaiah doesn't mention it here, but Hezekiah tried to pay off Sennacherib before this meeting (2 Kings 18:13–16). He sent a message saying he had done wrong and offering to pay any amount if Sennacherib would just go away. Sennacherib named his price and Hezekiah scavenged silver and gold from the treasury and temple. Then Sennacherib sent his men to let Hezekiah know they were taking the city anyway.
Now Sennacherib's messenger asks Hezekiah if words could possibly win a war. Hezekiah rebelled against Assyria. Who did he imagine he could trust to save him from Sennacherib's massive army? Sennacherib's messenger is clearly mocking Hezekiah. He has already defeated every earthly power Judah may have looked to for rescue. This message is like a cat playing with a mouse before the death blow.
