Overview
Rab-Shakeh served as Sennacherib's military envoy during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem around 701 BC. Standing outside the city walls, he delivered threatening propaganda designed to demoralize the inhabitants and convince them to surrender without resistance. His speeches reveal both the military might of Assyria and the theological arrogance of those who opposed God's people.
Key Scriptures
"Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rab-Saris, and the Rab-Shakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem" (2 Kings 18:17, ESV).
"And the Rab-Shakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?" (2 Kings 18:19, KJV).
"Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them" (2 Kings 18:23, KJV).
Application
Trust in God's power rather than human threats or worldly intimidation when facing spiritual opposition.