20 You say you have the counsel and the might for war-but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?
20 Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?
20 Do you think that mere words are any substitute for military strategy and troops? Now that you've revolted against me, who can you expect to help you?
20 You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?
20 Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:20
Commentary on 2 Kings 18:17-37
(Read 2 Kings 18:17-37)
Rabshakeh tries to convince the Jews, that it was to no purpose for them to stand it out. What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? It were well if sinners would submit to the force of this argument, in seeking peace with God. It is, therefore, our wisdom to yield to him, because it is in vain to contend with him: what confidence is that which those trust in who stand out against him? A great deal of art there is in this speech of Rabshakeh; but a great deal of pride, malice, falsehood, and blasphemy. Hezekiah's nobles held their peace. There is a time to keep silence, as well as a time to speak; and there are those to whom to offer any thing religious or rational, is to cast pearls before swine. Their silence made Rabshakeh yet more proud and secure. It is often best to leave such persons to rail and blaspheme; a decided expression of abhorrence is the best testimony against them. The matter must be left to the Lord, who has all hearts in his hands, committing ourselves unto him in humble submission, believing hope, and fervent prayer.