You claim to have a strategy and strength for warThis phrase is part of a taunt from the Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, directed at the people of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and had already conquered many nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel. The Rabshakeh's words challenge Judah's confidence in their military plans and capabilities. Historically, Judah was a smaller kingdom with limited military resources compared to the vast Assyrian empire. This phrase highlights the futility of relying solely on human strategies and strength without divine support, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.
but these are empty words
The Rabshakeh dismisses Judah's confidence as baseless, suggesting that their plans and declarations of strength are mere rhetoric without substance. This reflects a common biblical theme where human boasting and self-reliance are contrasted with the need for dependence on God. In the broader biblical narrative, true strength and victory come from God, not from human might or wisdom. This is echoed in passages likePsalm 20:7, which emphasizes trust in the name of the Lord over chariots and horses.
In whom are you now trusting
This question challenges the foundation of Judah's faith and trust. Historically, Judah had been tempted to form alliances with other nations, such as Egypt, to secure military support against Assyria. The Rabshakeh's question is designed to undermine any confidence Judah might have in such alliances or in their own strength. Biblically, trust in God is a central theme, and the prophets often rebuked Israel and Judah for placing their trust in foreign powers instead of in God. This question invites reflection on where true security and trust should be placed.
that you have rebelled against me?
The Rabshakeh frames Judah's resistance as rebellion against Assyria, which was the dominant power of the time. Historically, vassal states like Judah were expected to pay tribute and submit to the authority of their overlords. By resisting, Judah was defying the political and military expectations of the era. This phrase also highlights the tension between earthly authority and divine command. In the biblical context, Hezekiah's rebellion can be seen as an act of faithfulness to God, who had called His people to trust in Him alone. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative where God's people are often called to stand against worldly powers in obedience to divine authority.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
HezekiahThe King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.
2.
SennacheribThe King of Assyria, who led a campaign against Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. He is a central figure in the account of
Isaiah 36.
3.
RabshakehThe Assyrian field commander who delivered the message to the people of Jerusalem, challenging their trust in God and King Hezekiah.
4.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army during this event.
5.
Assyrian InvasionA significant historical event where the Assyrian Empire sought to conquer Judah, testing the faith and leadership of King Hezekiah.
Teaching Points
Trust in God Over Human StrengthThe verse challenges us to examine where we place our trust. Are we relying on our own strategies and strength, or are we truly trusting in God?
The Futility of Empty WordsWords without faith and action are empty. We must ensure that our declarations of faith are backed by genuine trust in God.
The Importance of Faith in CrisisIn times of crisis, like the siege of Jerusalem, our faith is tested. We must learn to lean on God rather than our own understanding or resources.
God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceThe account reminds us that God is sovereign and capable of delivering us from seemingly insurmountable challenges when we place our trust in Him.
The Role of Leadership in FaithHezekiah's leadership and faith were crucial for Judah. As leaders in our communities or families, we must model trust in God and guide others to do the same.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 36:5?
2.How does Isaiah 36:5 challenge reliance on human strength over God's power?
3.What does "mere words" in Isaiah 36:5 reveal about empty promises?
4.How can Isaiah 36:5 encourage trust in God's promises today?
5.Connect Isaiah 36:5 with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God over human wisdom.
6.How can Isaiah 36:5 guide us in evaluating our sources of confidence?
7.How does Isaiah 36:5 challenge the reliability of human strength versus divine power?
8.What historical context surrounds the events described in Isaiah 36:5?
9.How does Isaiah 36:5 reflect the theme of trust in God over political alliances?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 36?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'Do Not Fear, Only Believe'?
12.What defines militarism?
13.Isaiah 36:4-6: Does the text accurately represent the complexity of alliances with Egypt, which many historians dispute or find unclear?
14.Why does Christianity demand faith when critical thinking and evidence are more reliable ways of knowing truth?What Does Isaiah 36:5 Mean
You claim to have a strategy and strength for warThe Assyrian field commander taunts Hezekiah’s messengers: “You claim to have a strategy and strength for war” (Isaiah 36:5).
• Human calculations looked bleak. Assyria’s army had flattened every walled city it met (2 Kings 18:13).
• Hezekiah’s reforms had stripped the nation of the very silver and gold paid earlier as tribute (2 Kings 18:14-16).
• Yet Jerusalem’s hope was never supposed to rest on clever plans or military muscle: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31).
• The Lord had already promised deliverance if Judah would listen (Isaiah 31:4-5).
but these are empty wordsAssyria dismisses Judah’s confidence as hollow bravado. They see no visible army or allies, so they label every assurance “empty words.”
• Empty words are boasts detached from divine reality (James 2:17;Psalm 33:16-17).
• God will soon expose whose words carry weight: “The counsel of the LORD stands forever” (Psalm 33:11).
• Compare Pharaoh’s similar bluster inExodus 5:2; God turned that arrogance into a platform for His glory (Exodus 14:30-31).
In whom are you now trustingThis is the heart of the challenge. The question could be re-phrased: “What is the object of your faith?”
• Assyria assumes Judah leans on Egypt’s cavalry (Isaiah 36:6), echoing the earlier temptation: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help” (Isaiah 31:1).
• Hezekiah’s real trust is in the LORD: “With us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:8).
• That choice echoes throughout Scripture:
– “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
– “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him” (Jeremiah 17:7).
• Faith is not wishful thinking; it rests on God’s covenant promises (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).
that you have rebelled against me?From Assyria’s viewpoint, refusing tribute equals rebellion. From heaven’s viewpoint, trusting the Lord against tyrannical demands is obedience.
• Hezekiah had torn down the pagan high places (2 Kings 18:3-6). His allegiance shift infuriated Assyria but pleased God.
• Opposition often reframes faithfulness as rebellion. The apostles faced the same accusation: “We gave you strict orders… yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching” (Acts 5:28).
• True rebellion is not against earthly kings but against the King of kings (Psalm 2:1-3). Judah’s stand aligned them with heaven’s throne (Isaiah 37:22-23).
• God vindicated that stance overnight: “The angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians” (Isaiah 37:36).
summaryIsaiah 36:5 spotlights the clash between human arrogance and divine reliability. Assyria sneers at Judah’s lack of visible resources, branding their faith “empty words.” Yet the real question is not about military numbers but about the object of trust. Hezekiah anchors his hope in the LORD, and God proves that reliance is anything but empty. The passage calls readers to abandon self-reliance, reject false alliances, and rest confidently in the Lord who alone turns apparent weakness into unassailable strength.
(5, 6)
I have counsel and strength for war . . .--Reports of Hezekiah's speech. probably also of his negotiations with Egypt, had reached the ears of the Assyrian king. So Sennacherib. in his inscriptions, speaks of "the king of Egypt as a monarch who could not save those who trusted in him" (Smith,
Assyrian Canon)
.The Pharaoh in this case was Shabatoka, or Sabaco II., the father of the Tir-hakah of Isa xxxvii 9, one of the Ethiopian dynasty that reigned in Egypt from B.C. 725-665.
Verse 5. -
I say. In
2 Kings 18:20 we read, "Thou sayest" for "I say," which gives a better sense. Dr. Kay holds the two forms to be "complementary."
I have counsel and strength for war. Either the words of Hezekiah had been reported to Sennacherib, or he rightly divined Hezekiah's thoughts. It was, no doubt, in reliance on the "counsel" of Eliakim and the "strength" of Egypt that the Jewish monarch had a second time provoked his suzerain.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You claimאָמַ֙רְתִּי֙(’ā·mar·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say[to have] a strategyעֵצָ֥ה(‘ê·ṣāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098:Advice, plan, prudenceand strengthוּגְבוּרָ֖ה(ū·ḡə·ḇū·rāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1369:Force, valor, victoryfor war,לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה(lam·mil·ḥā·māh)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, warbutאַךְ־(’aḵ-)Adverb
Strong's 389:A particle of affirmation, surely[these are] emptyדְּבַר־(də·ḇar-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causewords.שְׂפָתַ֔יִם(śə·p̄ā·ṯa·yim)Noun - fd
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginOnעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstwhomמִ֣י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixare you nowעַתָּה֙(‘at·tāh)Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timerelying,בָטַ֔חְתָּ(ḇā·ṭaḥ·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 982:To trust, be confident, surethatכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyou have rebelledמָרַ֖דְתָּ(mā·raḏ·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4775:To rebelagainst me?בִּֽי׃(bî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 36:5 I say that your counsel and strength (Isa Isi Is) 
