Isaiah 36:21

New King James Version

But they held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”

For Encouragement

How do you respond to the boastful?

Silence!

Silence, though frowned upon by the world, can calm anger, quiet boastful individuals, and distabilize enemies. Trusting in God against the prideful brings peace and humbles arrogance. When believers reject worldly tactics and rely on God, Jesus ensures their victory. King Hezekiah’s calm response to Sennacherib illustrates this in Isaiah 36-37.

This story illustrates that you cannot appease a boastful bully intent on harm; appeasement only encourages them to return with more demands, seeking to exhaust you.

For example, the Assyrians defeated Israel and then attacked Judah. Hezekiah’s mistake was paying off Sennacherib, king of Assyria, with gold taken from the temple doors and doorposts (2 Kings 18:13-16). This weakness made Assyria bolder, so they demanded total surrender and brought a large army against Jerusalem (17-18).

The Assyrian field commander’s speech to Judah’s leaders shows this boastfulness (19-35). They claimed superiority for their gods and questioned how Israel’s God could save Judah. The people’s response is telling, and I love it.

But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

Hezekiah remained quiet, not because of fear, but because he trusted God to save Judah, His people. Sennacherib had challenged God, so Hezekiah left it to God.

The king went to the temple and prayed (19:1). He then asked the prophet Isaiah also to pray for the nation (2-4) and received a message of hope from God.

“Listen! I myself will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So, he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword” (Isaiah 37:7 NLT).

I love it. Isn’t God good?

Although Sennacherib continued to boast (k2 Kings 19:9–13), Hezekiah continued to pray to God (14–19), while Isaiah delivered a powerful prophecy that sealed the fate of Assyria (20–34). The angel of the Lord struck the Assyrian camp, killing a hundred and eighty-five thousand of their finest soldiers. They withdrew to Nineveh (35–36), where Sennacherib’s sons killed him during worship. Isn’t God good, how He delivers His people?

From this account, it is clear: No matter who opposes you or what threatens you—be it spiritual, financial, physical, social, or emotional—open confrontation or arguments are not your defense. Your primary defense is to trust the Lord, Commander of heaven’s army; He will fight for you (2 Chron. 20:15; Prov. 23:10-11; Rom. 12:19). Hallelujah!

Pray with Me

Thank you, Father, Lord of my life and Protector. Help me not to fear the proud, to stand strong in Jesus, and leave their threats to you. May your victory bring peace as I honor your name in Jesus, amen. 

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