The Assyrian invasion and siege of Jerusalem is a significant event in the history of Israel and Judah, recorded in the Hebrew Bible. This event is primarily chronicled in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. It occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, around 701 BC, when the Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, sought to expand its dominion over the region.

Historical Context

The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the Near East during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Known for their military prowess and administrative efficiency, the Assyrians expanded their territory through conquest and subjugation. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BC, leading to the exile of many Israelites. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, remained independent but was under constant threat from Assyrian expansion.

Hezekiah's Reforms and Preparations

King Hezekiah, noted for his faithfulness to Yahweh, initiated religious reforms to purify worship in Judah, removing high places, cutting down Asherah poles, and destroying the bronze serpent Moses had made (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah also fortified Jerusalem, constructed a tunnel to secure the city's water supply, and strengthened the city's defenses in anticipation of an Assyrian attack (2 Chronicles 32:2-5).

The Assyrian Threat

Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. The Assyrian king captured several fortified cities of Judah and demanded tribute from Hezekiah. Initially, Hezekiah attempted to appease Sennacherib by paying a substantial tribute, stripping the gold from the doors of the Temple of the LORD (2 Kings 18:15-16).

Despite this, Sennacherib sent a large army to besiege Jerusalem. The Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, delivered a message to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, mocking their trust in God and urging them to surrender (2 Kings 18:19-25). The Rabshakeh's speech was intended to demoralize the inhabitants by questioning the power of Yahweh compared to the gods of other nations that Assyria had conquered.

Hezekiah's Response and Divine Intervention

In response to the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to prayer, seeking deliverance from the LORD (2 Kings 19:1-4). Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:34).

The Bible records a miraculous deliverance: "Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!" (2 Kings 19:35). This divine intervention forced Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons (2 Kings 19:36-37).

Theological Significance

The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. It underscores the power of prayer and reliance on God in times of crisis. Hezekiah's faith and the subsequent deliverance of Jerusalem serve as a powerful reminder of God's protection and the futility of opposing His divine will. The event also highlights the role of prophets like Isaiah in guiding and encouraging the people of God during tumultuous times.