Commentators note that the Assyrian messenger's taunt escalates. In a previous verse (Isaiah 36:19), he questioned the power of the gods of conquered nations. Here, he questions the power of their kings. The implied, chilling answer is that these kings are defeated, likely imprisoned or executed in Nineveh. This rhetorical question was designed to crush Hezekiah's hope by showing that no human power could stand against Assyria.