The commander of the Assyrian army stands just outside Jerusalem and addresses anyone who will listen. “I have a message for Hezekiah from the great king of Assyria,” he shouts. “Ask Hezekiah why he feels so sure of himself. Does he think he can plan and win a war with nothing but words?” (verses 4-5).

The king’s officials had asked him to speak in Aramaic, which they understood, but which was not well understood by the ordinary people.