Isaiah 36:21 — Thursday, September 24, 2026

Isaiah chapter 36 tells of the arrival of the Assyrian official Rabshakeh at the walls of Jerusalem, trying to demoralize the people with threats and blasphemies. King Hezekiah commanded that no one answer the enemy, and the people kept silent before the provocation. This silence is not cowardice but wisdom: not entering into debate with one who despises God. The enemy wanted to weaken the people's confidence with words; the answer was to stand firm in silence. Not every provocation deserves a response; some require only trust and prayer. Today, faced with unfair criticism or threats, we can choose the silence of those who know in whom they have believed.