Verse 11
Aramaic was the common language of diplomacy; politicians normally conducted diplomatic talks in that language. It did not become the common language of Palestine until many years later. The Rabshakeh, however, spoke to the kings’ officials in the common Hebrew that all the people of Jerusalem understood. He probably did this so all the people, not just the king’s officials, would understand his message and take it as an insult to the king’s officials. By using Hebrew the commander was also implying that they did not know Aramaic, that they were backwater ignoramuses.
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