Isaiah 37:9

"So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had departed from Lachish."

Key Reflection

Rabshakeh returned to confront Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, only to find that King Sennacherib was already engaged in a military campaign against Libnah. This unexpected development would have been significant for the original audience, as it highlighted the ongoing Assyrian conquests and the broader context of the siege of Jerusalem. The news of Sennacherib’s departure from Lachish before Rabshakeh’s arrival underscored the fluidity of the situation and the strategic challenges faced by Hezekiah and his advisors in defending their city against a formidable enemy.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And he heard say -The report or rumour referred to inIsaiah 37:7. In what way he heard this is not intimated. It is probable that the preparations which Tirhakah had made, were well known to the surrounding regions, and that he was already on his march against Sennacherib. Tirhakah -This king, who, by Eusebius and by most ancient writers, is calledΤαρακὸςTarakos, was a celebrated conqueror, and had subdued Egypt to himself. He reigned over Egypt eighteen years. When Sennacherib marched into Egypt, Sevechus or Sethon was on the throne.

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