John Gill Commentary Isaiah 36:8

"Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them." — Isaiah 36:8 (ASV)

Now therefore give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, etc.] Or; "hostages"^F8; that you will not rebel against him, but be faithful to him, and he will withdraw his army; or give security for the horses after promised: "or mingle yourself with him"; agree the matter with him, give pledges for future fidelity; or join in battle with him, come out and fight him, if able: and I will give you two thousand horses, if you be able on your part to set riders on them;

thus scoffing at him, as if he had not so many soldiers to bring out against him; or so many men in his kingdom as had skill enough to ride a horse; in his bravado he signifies, that if he would come out and fight him, he would lend him so many horses, if he could put men upon them, to assist him; this he said as boasting of his master's strength and power, and in scorn and derision at Hezekiah's weakness.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F8: (breth) "da obsides", Vatablus; "paciscere cum domino meo, Gataker; "misceto, quaeso, [bellum] cum domino meo", Junius & Tremellius.