2 He sent Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the court secretary,r and the leading priests, who were covered with sackcloth,s to the prophet Isaiaht son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “This is what Hezekiah says: ‘Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace, for children have come to the point of birth,u but there is no strength to deliver them. 4 Perhaps the Lord your Godv will hearw all the words of the royal spokesman, whom his master the king of Assyria sent to mock the living God, and will rebukex him for the words that the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the surviving remnant.’ ”y