Commentators explain that Sennacherib's second threatening message was not a sign of strength, but of fear. He heard a rumor that a powerful rival, King Tirhakah, was marching against him. Panicked, he tried to intimidate Hezekiah into a quick surrender before Hezekiah could learn that help was on the way. This reveals that even the most arrogant earthly powers are vulnerable and act out of desperation.