Hezekia a ga hpe hkum madat myit. Mare kata kaw nna pru nhtawm lata sharawt asum hkam na matu Asuri hkawseng wa nang hpe tsun nga sai. Dai shaloi nanhte a mungdan hte bung ai nanhte a matu sabyi jaw ya ai sabyi sun ni, muk kabaw na matu nsi naisi, tsanlun sau a matu tsanlun hpun ni hte lagat ntsin pru ai mung de hkawseng wa bai woi wa ai aten du hkra, nanhte gaw nanhte a sabyi ru ni hta na sabyi si ni hpe mung, nanhte a hpun ni hta na maihpang si ni hpe sha lu nhtawm nanhte a hka htung ni hta na nan hka ja lu na ahkang lu na rai nga myit dai. Shi hkang da ai hte maren nanhte hkan galaw myit dai rai yang, nanhte si na n rai; hkrung nga lu na rai myit dai. Rai ti mung dai Madu gaw nanhte hpe hkye mawai la na ra ai nga nna nanhte a myit nawn ai lam Hezekia nanhte hpe mana hkum shachyoi kau shangun nga myit.
What Does This Mean?
The king of Assyria is telling the people of Judah not to listen to Hezekiah, their king. He promises that if they surrender to him, they can continue to live peacefully, enjoying their own food and water.
Explained for Children
Imagine if a bully told your class not to listen to your teacher. He said, 'If you all give me your lunch money, I'll let you eat your sandwiches and drink your juice.' That's kind of what the king of Assyria is doing here, but with a whole city!
Historical Background
This verse is from the historical books of the Old Testament, written around 560-540 BCE. It records an event in 701 BCE where the Assyrians besieged Jerusalem under King Hezekiah's rule, promising the people peace and prosperity if they surrendered to Assyrian rule.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse reminds us of the importance of discerning truth and not easily succumbing to threats. For instance, if a school bully threatens to take your lunch money, and promises you can still eat your lunch if you give it to him, it's important to know that giving in might not be the best solution.
What was the Assyrian's main promise to the people of Judah?
The Assyrian king promised that if the people surrendered, they could continue to live peacefully and enjoy their own resources, like their vineyards and fig trees.
How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of Hezekiah's reign?
This verse is part of a larger narrative showing Hezekiah's efforts to resist Assyrian domination and keep his kingdom's independence, despite the threats and promises from the Assyrian king.
What can we learn about faith from Hezekiah's response?
Hezekiah's response, though not directly mentioned in this verse, teaches us about the importance of trusting in divine guidance and not giving in to threats.
How is this verse relevant to today's leadership challenges?
This verse highlights the importance of leadership that stands firm against threats and pressures, focusing on the best interests of those they lead, rather than succumbing to external demands.