Rabshakeh and the Argument for Religious Equality Isaiah 36-37

Modern society takes pride in being tolerant and pluralistic

The popular notion today is to accept all beliefs; tolerate everyone (except those who have the truth); don’t exclude anyone (except those who have the truth)

In a world of where “politically correct” is more important than truly correct, all beliefs are equally valid, equally real, and equally valuable

Jerusalem is surrounded by the Assyrian army, c. 701 B.C. (2 K. 18-19; 2 Chron. 32:1-23; Isa. 36-37)

The Assyrian King Sennacharib sends his captain and ambassador, Rabshakeh, to tell the people to surrender

Rabshakeh advanced the following argument:

Stop putting your trust and confidence in God (2 K. 18:19-32; Isa. 36:4-10; 2 Chron. 32:10-12)

Your God is no different than all the other gods (2 K. 18:33-35; 19:8-13; 2 Chron. 32:13-19 [see especially v. 19]; Isa. 36:18-20 and 37:8-13)

Rabshakeh’s arrogance and blasphemy did not go unnoticed or unpunished by God (Isa. 37:23)

Your God is no different than the gods of world religions (Acts 17:22ff; 1 Cor. 8:5-6)

Your savior is no different that other saviors (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5)

Your church is no different than other churches (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4-6)

Your Bible is no different than other religious writings (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)

Don’t let the modern-day Rabshakeh shake your trust and confidence in the one, true God

Patiently wait for the truth like the people did and do not follow man-made arguments (Isa. 36:21-22)

Pray to God like Hezekiah did and continue with your confident trust (Isa. 37:14-20)

Offer exhortation to the faithful like Isaiah did and do not be discouraged (Isa. 37:5-7, 21-35)