Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Kings 18:36

36 But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the kings commandment was, saying, Answer him not .

i. e. Either these Three Men, this Word being sometimes used of a very few men, as 1 Sam. 9. 24. Or rather, the people that were with them upon the wall, ver. 26. to whom he spake, and from whom he expected an answer.

Which was wisely ordered; partly, lest by their words they should either betray their Fears, or provoke their Enemies to greater Injuries or Blasphemies; or give them some advantage or direction for their further Proceedings: and partly, that by this Instance of Obedience and Calmness, he might see the resolution of the People to cleave unto their King; and the vanity of his Attempts to seduce them to a defection from him.