The phrase translated “give pledges,” or “hostages” (from the margin), is perhaps best understood as meaning “make an agreement.” If you will “bind…

Give pledges to. —Rather, make a compact with... So the Syriac; literally, mingle with... have dealings with…

(See Gill on 2 Kings 18:17)

Rabshakeh tries to convince the Jews that it was pointless for them to resist. What confidence is this in which you trust? It would be well if sinn…