Book of Isaiah - Chapter 36 - Verse 12

In the verse, Rabshakeh, the Assyrian commander, is taunting King Hezekiah of Judah and his officials by questioning the authority of the message he is delivering. Rabshakeh is essentially asking whether he was sent to negotiate with the king and his officials or with the common soldiers who are defending the city. By using crude and disrespectful language, Rabshakeh seeks to undermine the morale of the defending forces and instill fear among them. The mention of eating dung and drinking urine emphasizes the desolation and suffering that would accompany a siege if the city does not surrender. This verse serves as a warning of the harsh consequences that the people of Judah would face if they refuse to surrender to the superior Assyrian army.

In this verse from the book of 2 Kings, Rabshakeh, the chief cupbearer of the Assyrian king, delivers a message to Hezekiah, the king of Judah. The theological interpretation of this passage involves understanding the context of ancient warfare and the language used during that time. The words spoken by Rabshakeh are not only meant to insult and intimidate the people of Judah but also to demonstrate the power and cruelty of the Assyrian army. By threatening to subject the people to such humiliation and degradation, Rabshakeh is trying to instill fear and weaken the resolve of the defenders. Additionally, the words "eat their own dung" and "drink their own piss" are symbolic of the utter desolation and judgment that the Assyrians believed they would bring upon their enemies. This verse serves as a reminder of the brutal tactics used in ancient warfare and the importance of trusting in God's protection even in the face of overwhelming odds.