CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 18:26 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/18-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/12_2Ki_18_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 18:26 - Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/18-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/18-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/18-25.htm" title="2 Kings 18:25">◄</a> 2 Kings 18:26 <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm" title="2 Kings 18:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_kings/18.htm">New International Version</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, &#8220Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don&#8217t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_kings/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebna, and Joah said to the Assyrian chief of staff, “Please speak to us in Aramaic, for we understand it well. Don’t speak in Hebrew, for the people on the wall will hear.” <a href="/esv/2_kings/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it. Do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” <a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” <a href="/kjv/2_kings/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Speak now to your servants in Aramaic, because we understand it; and do not speak with us in Judean so that the people who are on the wall hear you.” <a href="/nasb/2_kings/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, &#8220Speak now to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak with us in Judean in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Speak now to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak with us in Judean, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” <a href="/lsb/2_kings/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Speak now to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak with us in Judean in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” <a href="/amp/2_kings/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Aramaic (Syrian) language, because we understand it; and do not speak with us in the Judean (Hebrew) language in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” <a href="/csb/2_kings/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah said to the royal spokesman, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak with us in Hebrew within earshot of the people on the wall.” <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, &#8220Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don&#8217t speak with us in Hebrew within earshot of the people on the wall.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_kings/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall. <a href="/cev/2_kings/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said, "Sir, we don't want the people listening from the city wall to understand what you are saying. So please speak to us in Aramaic instead of Hebrew." <a href="/erv/2_kings/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Eliakim (son of Hilkiah), Shebnah, and Joah said to the field commander, "Speak to us in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don't speak to us in the Judean language as long as there are people on the wall listening." <a href="/gnt/2_kings/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah told the official, "Speak Aramaic to us, sir. We understand it. Don't speak Hebrew; all the people on the wall are listening." <a href="/isv/2_kings/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> At this, Hilkiah's son Eliakim, Shebnah, and Joah asked Rab-shakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, because we understand it, but don't speak the language of Judah to us within the hearing of the people who are on the wall." <a href="/msb/2_kings/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, ?Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.? <a href="/net/2_kings/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebna, and Joah said to the chief adviser, "Speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it. Don't speak with us in the Judahite dialect in the hearing of the people who are on the wall." <a href="/nheb/2_kings/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in the Aramaic language; for we understand it. Do not speak with us in the Judean language, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall." <a href="/wbt/2_kings/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah, to Rab-shakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews language in the ears of the people that are on the wall. <a href="/web/2_kings/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it. Don’t speak with us in the Jews’ language, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Eliakim son of Hilkiah says—and Shebna and Joah—to the chief of the butlers, “Please speak to your servants [in] Aramaic, for we are understanding, but do not speak with us [in] Jewish, in the ears of the people who [are] on the wall.” <a href="/ylt/2_kings/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Eliakim son of Hilkiah saith -- and Shebna, and Joah -- to the chief of the butlers, 'Speak, we pray thee, unto thy servants in Aramaean, for we are understanding, and do not speak with us in Jewish, in the ears of the people who are on the wall.' <a href="/slt/2_kings/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Eliakim son of Hilkiah, will say, and Shebna, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Speak now to thy servants in Syriac; for we hear: and thou shalt not speak with us in Judaic in the ears of the people who are upon the wall.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Eliacim the son of Helcias, and Sobna, and Joahe said to Rabsaces: We pray thee speak to us thy servants in Syriac: for we understand that tongue: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the hearing of the people that are upon the wall. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh: “We beseech you, that you may speak to us, your servants, in Syriac. For we understand that language to some extent. And do not speak to us in the Jews’ language, in the hearing of the people, who are upon the wall.” <a href="/nabre/2_kings/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah and Joah said to the commander: “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic; we understand it. Do not speak to us in the language of Judah within earshot of the people who are on the wall.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it; do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then said Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah to Rab-shakeh, Speak to your servants in the Aramaic; for we understand it; and do not speak to us in the Jews' language in the presence of the people who are on the wall. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Eliakim, son of Khelqia, and Shebna and Yuakh said to Rab Shakeh .”Speak with your Servants in Aramaic, because we hear, and do not speak with us in Judean before the people who stand on the wall.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, unto Rab-shakeh: 'Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Aramean language; for we understand it; and speak not with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.' <a href="/sep/2_kings/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Heliakim the son of Chelkias, and Somnas, and Joas, said to Rapsakes, Speak now to thy servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it; and speak not with us in the Jewish language: and why dost thou speak in the ears of the people that are on the wall? <a href="/parallel/2_kings/18-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=6459" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm">Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem</a> …25So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’ ” 26<a href="/hebrew/471.htm" title="471: ’el·yā·qîm (N-proper-ms) -- God sets up, three Isr. From 'el and quwm; God of raising; Eljakim, the name of four Israelites.">Then Eliakim</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/2518.htm" title="2518: ḥil·qî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- My portion is Yah, the name of several Isr. Or Chilqiyahuw'from cheleq and Yahh; portion of Jah;">of Hilkiah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7644.htm" title="7644: wə·šeḇ·nāh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Secretary and majordomo of Hezekiah.: or Shebnah; from an unused root meaning to grow; growth; Shebna or Shebnah, an Israelite.">along with Shebnah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3098.htm" title="3098: wə·yō·w·’āḥ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is brother, the name of several Isr. From Yhovah and 'ach; Jehovah-brothered; Joach, the name of four Israelites.">and Joah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7262.htm" title="7262: raḇ- (N-ms) -- Perhaps chief of the officers, an Assyr. military leader. From rab and shaqah; chief butler; Rabshakeh, a Bab. Official."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7262.htm" title="7262: šā·qêh (N-ms) -- Perhaps chief of the officers, an Assyr. military leader. From rab and shaqah; chief butler; Rabshakeh, a Bab. Official.">the Rabshakeh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·ber- (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/762.htm" title="762: ’ă·rā·mîṯ (N-proper-fs) -- The language of Aram (Syria). Feminine of 'Arammiy;in Aramean.">in Aramaic,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·nā·ḥə·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·mə·‘îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">understand it.</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: tə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with us</a> <a href="/hebrew/3066.htm" title="3066: yə·hū·ḏîṯ (N-proper-fs) -- Jewish. Feminine of Yhuwdiy; the Jewish language.">in Hebrew</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê (Prep-b:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">in the hearing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ha·ḥō·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the wall.”</a> 27But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/36-11.htm">Isaiah 36:11</a> Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” <a href="/2_chronicles/32-18.htm">2 Chronicles 32:18</a> Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. <a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm">Nehemiah 13:24</a> Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. <a href="/isaiah/36-13.htm">Isaiah 36:13-15</a> Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! / This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you. / Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ <a href="/isaiah/36-2.htm">Isaiah 36:2-3</a> And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh, with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And he stopped by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him. <a href="/2_kings/19-4.htm">2 Kings 19:4</a> Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.” <a href="/2_kings/19-8.htm">2 Kings 19:8-13</a> When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah. / Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. ... <a href="/2_kings/19-22.htm">2 Kings 19:22-24</a> Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! / Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests. / I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” <a href="/2_kings/19-32.htm">2 Kings 19:32-34</a> So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. / I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” <a href="/isaiah/37-4.htm">Isaiah 37:4</a> Perhaps the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.” <a href="/isaiah/37-8.htm">Isaiah 37:8-13</a> When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah. / Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. ... <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm">Isaiah 37:22-24</a> this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you. / Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! / Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. <a href="/isaiah/37-32.htm">Isaiah 37:32-34</a> For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. / So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. <a href="/matthew/27-46.htm">Matthew 27:46</a> About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” <a href="/mark/15-34.htm">Mark 15:34</a> At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray you, to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.Speak.in the Syrian language.<a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Ezra 4:7</a> And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.<a href="/isaiah/36-11.htm">Isaiah 36:11,12</a> Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall… <a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Daniel 2:4</a> Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Aramaic</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-14.htm">Aramean</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Eliakim</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Eli'akim</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-13.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Hilkiah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Hilki'ah</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-6.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Joah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Jo'ah</a> <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Judean</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Language</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-23.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">Rabshakeh</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">Rab'shakeh</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">Rab-Shakeh</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Shebna</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Shebnah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">Syrian</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-11.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-13.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Aramaic</a> <a href="/2_kings/24-2.htm">Aramean</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-7.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Eliakim</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Eli'akim</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-1.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Hilkiah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Hilki'ah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-28.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Joah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Jo'ah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-28.htm">Judean</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-27.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm">Rabshakeh</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm">Rab'shakeh</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm">Rab-Shakeh</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">Shebna</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">Shebnah</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/7-14.htm">Syrian</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-9.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/28-19.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 18</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/18-1.htm">Hezekiah's good reign</a> 4. <a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">He destroys idolatry, and prospers</a> 9. <a href="/2_kings/18-9.htm">The inhabitants of Samaria are carried captive for their sins</a> 13. <a href="/2_kings/18-13.htm">Sennacherib invading Judah, is pacified by a tribute</a> 17. <a href="/2_kings/18-17.htm">Rabshakeh, by blasphemous persuasions, solicits the people to revolt</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh Eliakim, Shebnah, and Joah were officials in King Hezekiah's court, representing the leadership of Judah. Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, was the palace administrator, a position of significant authority and responsibility. Shebnah, initially the royal secretary, is later demoted, indicating possible political shifts or divine disfavor. Joah, the recorder, was responsible for chronicling events, highlighting the importance of this encounter. The Rabshakeh was an Assyrian military officer, likely a high-ranking official, sent by King Sennacherib to negotiate or intimidate. This meeting underscores the political tension and the threat Judah faced from the powerful Assyrian empire.“Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Aramaic was the diplomatic and trade language of the Near East, understood by educated officials but not by the common people. The request to use Aramaic indicates the officials' desire to keep the conversation private, avoiding panic among the people. This reflects the broader cultural and linguistic landscape of the region, where Aramaic served as a lingua franca. The use of Aramaic also highlights the officials' education and their attempt to manage the situation diplomatically.Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” Hebrew was the language of the people of Judah, and speaking in Hebrew would make the conversation accessible to the common citizens. The officials' request to avoid Hebrew suggests their concern about maintaining morale and preventing fear or rebellion among the populace. The people on the wall likely included soldiers and citizens who would be directly affected by the Assyrian threat. This phrase illustrates the tension between transparency and control in leadership, as well as the psychological warfare employed by the Assyrians to undermine confidence in Hezekiah's leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/eliakim_son_of_hilkiah.htm">Eliakim son of Hilkiah</a> A high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court, serving as the palace administrator. He played a significant role in the negotiations with the Assyrian envoy. 2. <a href="/topical/s/shebna.htm">Shebna</a> Another official in Hezekiah's court, likely serving as the royal secretary or scribe. He was involved in the diplomatic discussions with the Assyrians. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joah.htm">Joah</a> The son of Asaph, serving as the recorder or chronicler in Hezekiah's administration. He was present during the negotiations with the Assyrian envoy. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rabshakeh.htm">Rabshakeh</a> A high-ranking Assyrian military officer and spokesman for King Sennacherib, sent to deliver a message to King Hezekiah and his people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wall_of_jerusalem.htm">The Wall of Jerusalem</a> The setting for this encounter, where the Assyrian envoy addressed the people of Jerusalem, creating a tense and fearful atmosphere.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_language_and_communication.htm">The Power of Language and Communication</a> Language can be a tool for unity or division. Eliakim and his colleagues requested the use of Aramaic to prevent panic among the people, showing the strategic use of language in leadership. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a> The officials' request to speak in Aramaic demonstrates discernment and wisdom in protecting the morale of the people. Leaders today can learn the importance of wise communication in times of crisis. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_the_face_of_intimidation.htm">Faith in the Face of Intimidation</a> Despite the intimidating presence of the Assyrian army, Hezekiah's officials sought to manage the situation with faith and prudence. Believers are encouraged to trust God and act wisely when facing threats. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intercessors.htm">The Role of Intercessors</a> Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah acted as intermediaries between the Assyrian envoy and the people of Jerusalem. This highlights the importance of intercessors who stand in the gap during challenging times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 18</a> <a href="/q/why_did_rabshakeh_speak_hebrew.htm">2 Kings 18:17 – Why would Rabshakeh speak in Hebrew if he didn’t want Judah’s people to hear his threats? </a> <a href="/q/how_do_2_chron_26_and_2_kings_15_differ.htm">How do we square the accounts of 2 Chronicles 26 with 2 Kings 15, given the differing details about Uzziah (also called Azariah) and his reign?</a> <a href="/q/is_2_kings_18_25_consistent_with_other_divine_judgments.htm">2 Kings 18:25 - Is the claim that the Assyrian king was acting by God's command consistent with other biblical accounts of divine judgment?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_verify_hezekiah's_unique_devotion.htm">2 Kings 18:5-6 - How can we verify Hezekiah's unprecedented devotion when other kings are also praised elsewhere?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) Speak, I pray thee . . . in the Syrian language.--HezeMah's ministers naturally dread the effect of Rab-shakeh's arguments and assertions upon the garrison of the city. The people, many of whom had always been accustomed to worship at the high places, might very well doubt whether there were not some truth in the allegation that Jehovah was incensed at their removal.In the Syrian language.--In Aramaic; which was at that time the language of diplomacy and commerce in the countries of Western Asia, as is proved by the bilingual contract-tablets (in Aramaic and Assyrian) discovered at Nineveh.In the Jews' language.--In Jewish; an expression only found in <a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm" title="And their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.">Nehemiah 13:24</a> besides the present narrative. The word "Jew" (Yeh-di), from which it is derived, itself occurs only in the later Biblical books; but contemporary Assyrian usage (mat Ya-u-di or Ya-u-du, "Judah;" Ya-u-da-a-a, "the Jews") is in favour of the supposition that the people of the Southern kingdom were even then called Yeh-dim, and their language "Jewish" (Yeh-dith). The spoken dialect probably differed considerably from other varieties of Hebrew, though not enough to make it unintelligible to other Hebrew-speaking peoples, such as the northern Israelites and the Moabites and Edomites.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; literally, in the Aramaic language. Hebrew, Aramaic, and Assyrian were three cognate languages, closely allied, and very similar both in their grammatical forms and in their vocabularies, but still sufficiently different to be distinct languages, which were only intelligible to those who had learnt them. Rabshakeh had addressed the Jewish officials in Hebrew, probably as the language which they would best understand, if it were not even the only one that they would understand; not with the express "object of influencing the common people," as Bahr supposes. But the Jewish officials feared that the words uttered were influencing them. They proposed, therefore, that the further negotiations should be conducted in Aramaic, a tongue which they understood, and one which they supposed that Rabshakeh, as he knew Hebrew, would also know. Aramaic was spoken in most of the tract that lay between Assyria and Palestine, in Syria and Damascus certainly, in Upper Mesopotamia, along the line of the Euphrates, and perhaps as far as the Khabour river. For we understand it. It is not likely that the Jews of this time generally understood Aramaic; but high officials of the court, who might have to deal with embassies and negotiate treaties, found it necessary to understand it, just as such persons in our own country have to know French. And talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall. Besides the sentinels and other soldiers, there would probably be many idlers upon the wall, attracted by the unwonted spectacle of an ambassadorial cortege, and anxious to pick up intelligence. The loud voices of Orientals would be heard to a considerable distance. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/18-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Eliakim אֶלְיָקִ֣ים (’el·yā·qîm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_471.htm">Strong's 471: </a> Eliakim -- 'God sets up', three Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Hilkiah, חִ֠לְקִיָּהוּ (ḥil·qî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2518.htm">Strong's 2518: </a> Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelites along with Shebnah וְשֶׁבְנָ֨ה (wə·šeḇ·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7644.htm">Strong's 7644: </a> Shebna -- secretary and majordomo of Hezekiah and Joah, וְיוֹאָ֜ח (wə·yō·w·’āḥ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3098.htm">Strong's 3098: </a> Joah -- 'the LORD is brother', the name of several Israelites said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the Rab-shakeh, שָׁקֵ֗ה (šā·qêh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7262.htm">Strong's 7262: </a> Rabshakeh -- perhaps 'chief of the officers', an Assyrian military leader “Please נָ֤א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' speak דַּבֶּר־ (dab·ber-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to your servants עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant in Aramaic, אֲרָמִ֔ית (’ă·rā·mîṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_762.htm">Strong's 762: </a> The language of Aram (Syria) since כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction we אֲנָ֑חְנוּ (’ă·nā·ḥə·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We understand it. שֹׁמְעִ֖ים (šō·mə·‘îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently Do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not speak תְּדַבֵּ֤ר (tə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to us עִמָּ֙נוּ֙ (‘im·mā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with in Hebrew יְהוּדִ֔ית (yə·hū·ḏîṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3066.htm">Strong's 3066: </a> The Jewish -- language in the hearing בְּאָזְנֵ֣י (bə·’ā·zə·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> Broadness, the ear of the people הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the wall.? הַחֹמָֽה׃ (ha·ḥō·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> A wall of protection <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/18-26.htm">2 Kings 18:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-26.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 18:26 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/18-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 18:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 18:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/18-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 18:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 18:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>