According to one scholar, all of this redundancy comes to a climax in chapters 36-39. Yes, there is a point to all of this repetition, saying the same argument in a million different ways.
Now, at this point - all of the fortified cities (cities with fort-like protection) except Lachish and Jerusalem are taken by the Assyrians. With only two cities left to destroy, the Field Commander (who is the third highest-ranking officer in the Assyrian army) comes to King Hezekiah (He was one of the few good kings of Judah).
Why does he come to King Hezekiah? Well, to berate, criticize, demoralize, frighten, make fun of.. take your pick. Judah's weak and he's making fun of them for leaning on Egypt..and even moreso for depending on the LORD (the very LORD that supposedly told Assyria to attack Judah) -- maybe they heard Isaiah's prophecies..
v. 8 -- Even if Assyria gave Judah 2,000 horses - they don't even have riders to ride them - yes, he is mocking Judah.
King Hezekiah wants to trust in God and this officer is trying to dissuade the people.. (v. 14)
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Trusting is hard enough... what about trusting in the midst of opposition. How would you feel if all of your cities were taken except two.. you're literally hanging by a thread.. it seems God has let you down but you still need to trust him? Wow..that's huge.
Well, that's the point. Trusting is a big deal. It's not that simple of an idea and it's not that easy to do.. If you do the calculations and try to figure out what is best... then, it seems easiest to surrender to Assyria and just go along with them, especially when you've suffered so much.. but trusting in God is not conditional. It's a firm, steadfast trust in God.
And, why should you trust in God? Because God never failed us and never will forsake us.
What's a few hours, a few months or a few years of people making fun of you compared to an eternity with God?
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