Book of Isaiah - Chapter 36 - Verse 16

In this verse, the king of Assyria is trying to persuade Hezekiah, the king of Judah, to surrender by making an agreement with him. The king of Assyria is promising that if Judah surrenders, they will be able to keep their land and enjoy the fruits of their labor, such as their vineyards and fig trees. However, this offer comes with a cost, as the Assyrian king demands a tribute or gift in exchange for peace. By tempting Hezekiah with the prospect of keeping their possessions and land, the king of Assyria is trying to undermine Hezekiah's faith in God and convince him to turn away from seeking divine intervention for protection. This verse serves as a warning about the tactics of deceit and manipulation that enemies may use to try and subdue believers, urging readers to stay steadfast in their faith and trust in God's protection.

In this verse, the king of Assyria is attempting to deceive King Hezekiah and the people of Judah by proposing a deceptive peace agreement. The king of Assyria is trying to lure them out of their city by promising them food and water, but his true intention is to conquer them. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the danger of trusting in worldly powers and alliances over God. It serves as a reminder that true security and protection come from placing our trust in the Lord rather than in the promises of man. The word "hearken" in this context emphasizes the importance of discerning the true intentions behind the words spoken to us, especially when they come from sources that may not have our best interests at heart. Through this verse, we are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from God in all situations, rather than relying on the false assurances of those who seek to deceive us.