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.
ISAIAH 36:11KJVWhat does Isaiah 36:11 mean?
Isaiah 36:11 describes how Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah—officials of King Hezekiah—asked the Assyrian envoy Rabshakeh to speak to them in the Syrian (Aramaic) language instead of the Jews’ language (Hebrew), so that the people listening from the city wall would not understand the conversation. The officials wanted to prevent the common people from hearing and being frightened by the Assyrian threats.
In this scene, the Assyrian army is confronting Jerusalem, and Rabshakeh is delivering a message meant to intimidate both the leaders and the people. Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah are trying to keep the discussion private by requesting the use of a language only the educated or officials would understand. This shows their concern for the morale of the people on the wall, who could be discouraged or panicked by hearing the enemy’s words directly.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 36:11
- "language" (אַרָמִית, 'aramit): This word refers to the Aramaic language, which was commonly used for diplomacy and trade in the region. The officials’ request highlights that they were educated enough to understand Aramaic, while most common people were not.
- "language" (יְהוּדִית, yehudit): This word means the language of Judah, or Hebrew. The officials specifically ask Rabshakeh not to use Hebrew, showing their desire to shield the people from the threatening message.
- "ears" (אָזֶן, ozen): The mention of “in the ears of the people” emphasizes that the officials were aware that the people on the wall could overhear and be influenced by what was said.
Why Isaiah 36:11 matters
- Isaiah 36:11 clarifies that the leaders were trying to protect the people’s morale by controlling what information reached them, showing the psychological side of ancient warfare.
- This verse helps explain why Rabshakeh later insists on speaking Hebrew anyway, aiming to undermine confidence in Hezekiah’s leadership by addressing the people directly.
- The verse highlights the use of language as a tool of power and influence, not just as a means of communication, in the context of political and military conflict.