Isaiah 35-36

“Do not speak to us in Judean, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall” (36:11).  The invading Assyrians knew how to demoralize the people of Judah (southern Israel).  The Assyrian king’s emissary, Rashakeh, threatened the people in their own language.  The Judean leaders tried to stop him, but he mocked God and boasted about Assryia’s power in Hebrew (v13).  Like any enemy, Rashakeh wanted to sow doubt in their minds.

Worn down by threats and temptations, the Scriptures speak to our hearts.  “Encourage the exhausted … say to those of anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not, your God will come” (35:3-4).