Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a prominent figure in the Bible, particularly noted for his ambitious military campaigns and his confrontation with the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is characterized by a relentless pursuit of power and expansion, which is vividly depicted in the biblical narrative.Historical Context Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and inherited a vast empire that included much of the Near East. His ambition was to consolidate and expand Assyrian dominance, which led to numerous military campaigns. The most notable of these, from a biblical perspective, was his campaign against Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Biblical Account The Bible provides a detailed account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah in 701 BC. In 2 Kings 18:13-19:37, 2 Chronicles 32:1-22, and Isaiah 36-37, Sennacherib's ambition is evident as he seeks to subjugate Jerusalem after having already captured many fortified cities of Judah. The Assyrian king sends his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender, boasting of Assyria's previous conquests and mocking the God of Israel. In 2 Kings 18:19-20 , the Rabshakeh declares, "This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: 'On what are you basing this confidence of yours? You say you have strategy and military strength—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?'" This statement reflects Sennacherib's confidence in his military might and his disdain for any opposition. Divine Intervention Despite Sennacherib's formidable power, the biblical narrative emphasizes the futility of his ambition against the will of God. King Hezekiah, in response to the Assyrian threat, seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prays earnestly for deliverance. In 2 Kings 19:35-36 , the Bible records a miraculous event: "That night 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. So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there." This divine intervention underscores the biblical theme that human ambition, no matter how powerful, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. Sennacherib's failure to capture Jerusalem serves as a testament to the protection and deliverance that God provides to those who trust in Him. Sennacherib's Demise The Bible also records the end of Sennacherib's life, which is marked by betrayal and violence. In 2 Kings 19:37 , it is written, "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place." This account highlights the ultimate downfall of Sennacherib, whose ambition could not protect him from internal strife and familial treachery. Conclusion Sennacherib's account in the Bible serves as a powerful illustration of the limits of human ambition when it stands in opposition to divine authority. His military prowess and initial successes are overshadowed by his failure to conquer Jerusalem and his eventual assassination, reminding readers of the biblical principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:23By your messengers you have reproached the LORD, and have said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. Nave's Topical Index Library Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) King of Kings and Lord of Lords The Greater Prophets. Greek and Jew Isaiah The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World The Harbinger Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Fire! Fire! Fire! "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Resources What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org How can a church achieve a true, biblical unity? | GotQuestions.org Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty Ambition: Connected With: Pride Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating Ambition: The Builders of Babel Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
    |