John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 36:21

"But they held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king`s commandment was, saying, Answer him not." — Isaiah 36:21 (ASV)

And they were silent. This is added so that we may more fully understand how deep the affliction was that prevailed throughout all of Judea. The good king, having hardly any strength or means of defense, is therefore struck dumb even when an enemy insults him.

Ambassadors were sent to soothe the enemy. When they proved unsuccessful, they were commanded to be silent so that they would not provoke that savage beast, already too much agitated, to cruelty.

Yet it is uncertain whether these words relate to the ambassadors or to the people against whom Rabshakeh hurled these reproaches. Indeed, it is probable that it refers instead to those who guarded the walls. Though sharply provoked by the taunts of the enemy, they were not stirred to quarrels or disturbance because they obeyed the king's command.

From this, we also infer that it arose from the special kindness of God that they were so disposed to obey when matters were desperate.

Perhaps it will be objected that they should not have been silent when such blasphemies were uttered against God. For we ought not to conceal our convictions when wicked men mock, jeer, and reproach God, even if our lives are endangered. We ought, at least, to testify that we cannot patiently endure His honor and glory being attacked.

But it is not said that they were silent because they agreed, or cared nothing about the reproaches cast on God. These reproaches, though not a word was uttered by them in response, gave deep pain to the ambassadors and prompted them to expressions and signs of grief. Afterwards, such is the bitterness of their sorrow that they tear their garments, and by this sign they show that they hold such blasphemies in abhorrence and detestation.

But as it would have been of no avail for the ambassadors to debate with Rabshakeh, they returned peaceably and without any commotion. The people, because it was useless to cause any disturbance, considered it enough to meet the wicked man's insolence with silent groans. And it is no small courage, even when we do not have the power to utter a syllable, to still not shrink or flinch, but to remain quietly in our place.

From this we are also reminded that we should not always contend with wicked men when they reproach and tear apart the name of God, for amid bitter strife and confused noise the truth will not be heard.

However, we must not, for that reason, give way to cowardice, thinking that we should be excused for being silent whenever wicked men rise up against God. Our silence will be inexcusable if we do not in some way testify that their actions are highly displeasing to us, and if we do not, as far as it is in our power, declare that nothing is more distressing to us than the name of God being dishonored.

Therefore, we must express our zeal, so that wicked men may not think that we have no regard for the honor of God and that we are not moved when they blaspheme it.