King Sennacherib of Assyria laid siege to the cities of Judah with the intention to completely possess them. Sennacherib could not do the job all by himself and had to employ the services of three of his officials whom he sent to deliver a message to Hezekiah. These were Tartan, Rabsaris and Rabshakeh.
It is significant to observe that out of the three officials, the Rabshakeh was elected to speak for the king. He spoke for the king because of his sensitivity to the king's heart, his love for him and his fellowship with him. Those who speak for the king are those who are close to him. In the same way, God speaks to those who are close to Him and sends them to speak for Him.