During a critical period of siege, the leaders of Jerusalem—Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah—ask the Assyrian field commander to converse in Aramaic instead of Hebrew. Aramaic was a diplomatic language known to educated officials, while Hebrew was the common language of the people. By making this request, the leaders sought to prevent the inhabitants of Jerusalem from hearing the potentially demoralizing threats or demands of the Assyrians, which could incite fear and panic. This moment underscores the strategic thinking of the city's leaders, who aimed to protect the morale of their people by controlling the flow of information. It highlights the importance of discretion and wisdom in leadership, especially during times of crisis. The passage also reflects the broader theme of communication and its power to influence public perception and maintain unity and strength in the face of adversity. By choosing to manage what the people heard, the leaders demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding the city's spirit and resilience.
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”
2 Kings 18:26
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