The ways of Satan can be clearly seen in chapters 36 and 37. Senacharib sent Rabshakeh to throw doubt and despair into the minds of the Israelites - but this is really Satan's work. We can learn much about the deceiver's methods in these two chapters.
36:4 - Rabshakeh asked - what's this confidence you have?
36:5 - On whom are you relying?
36:6 - Egypt? Ha! They're nothing but a broken reed
36:7 - Your God? Ha! Hezekiah has torn down His high places...He's not happy with you right now
36:8-9 - Let's make a deal. We'll be nice to you if you surrender.
36:10 - In fact, your God told me to come fight against you, so your God is definitely against you.
36:14 - Don't let Hezekiah deceive you
36:15 - Don't let Hezekiah make you trust in your God to deliver you
36:16 - Don't listen to Hezekiah! We promise you wonderful things if you surrender...
36:18 - No other god has been able to stand before us. What makes you think yours will?
Hezekiah cried out to God and He answered favorably. God would fight against Assyria and protect Jerusalem. It's almost as if Satan was listening in on their conversation, because as soon as God had given good word Rabshakeh sent a letter to again throw doubt upon the situation. His letter basically said, "Don't let your God deceive you!" ( 37:10).
Satan will use every method available - physical, psychological, emotional - to make us doubt our God and His salvation. If he can just get us to second-guess ourselves he's got us. We must be aware of his wiles and prepare for war! Of course, we know God wins this war - the question is, will we be found on His side?
Nathan