Isaiah 36:22

With their clothes rent— In token of their grief and astonishment, both for the blasphemy of Rabshakeh, and on account of their dread of the approaching calamity. It was usual not only in cases of grief, but also of blasphemy, to rend the clothes: a custom doubtless of great antiquity, and very suitable to the reverence due to the divine Majesty. See Matthew 26:65 and Vitringa.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, As this transaction has been treated of at large, 2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19 Kings 19 and 2 Chronicles 32 a few remarks will here suffice; and we may observe, [1.] How apt success is to intoxicate, and prosperity to puff men up with pride. Because the other defenced cities were taken, Rabshakeh already regards Jerusalem as a prey. [2.] When, like Hezekiah, we are found in the zealous discharge of our duty, and perhaps hoping for singular blessings from God, we may meet with the severest conflicts and discouragements, for the exercise of our faith, the brightening of our graces, and the increase of our glory. [3.] The people of God may expect sometimes the threats, sometimes the mockery of men, to intimidate and discourage them from following the good ways of the Lord; but let their hearts stand fast, and trust still on him. [4.] Many, like Rabshakeh, pretend to have the Lord's commission, who will be found to have a lie in their right hand.

2nd, With civil entreaty the persons appointed by Hezekiah for the conference with Rabshakeh, beg the favour of him to speak to them in the Syriac tongue, as his discourse had an evident bad tendency to discourage those who were within hearing: to which he makes a reply as indecent as insolent; and, addressing his speech, in the Jews' language, to the people on the wall, with blasphemous reflections on Israel's God, endeavours to spread a spirit of mutiny among them. But they are forbidden to reply; and, shocked at the blasphemy, or grieved at their distress, the messengers return unto the king, and report the words of this impious Assyrian. Note; (1.) Insolent language betrays a base spirit. (2.) The devil, like Rabshakeh, would insinuate, that it is our advantage to serve him; but his fair promises are foul lies. (3.) Silence is often the most proper answer to railing accusations. (4.) It were folly to attempt replying to those who are as unreasonable as they are wicked. (5.) It is a grief to the gracious soul, to hear the name of God dishonoured.