2 Kings 18:26-37
The great cup-bearer proceeds with his discourse, employing in turn threats, ridicule, and lies. He falsely claimed to have received a command from the LORD to go up against Judah and destroy it (v. 25). For the moment he tries seduction. Using the language of the people (Satan knows ours well enough), he paints in glowing colours the riches of Assyria, where he proposes to transport them: corn, bread, vineyards, etc. . . . Briefly, he assures them, it is "a land like your own". Indeed, if we compare the resources of Assyria with those of Canaan (Deuteronomy 8:7-8), there is apparently little difference. Yet there is one, all the same! And it is vital: the land of the enemy is not like that of the LORD, "a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills". A land like your land? Certainly not! Jesus does not give as the world gives (John 14:27). If he is unable to induce the believer to accept these deceitful resources, the Enemy will seek to turn him away from the Supreme Resource: his mighty God (see vv. 33-35). What answer must the Christian give him? Surely to say nothing (v. 36). You don’t enter into discussion with the Devil; you flee from him!