Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a prominent figure in the Bible, particularly noted for his military campaigns and his boastful defiance against the God of Israel. His reign is marked by significant military conquests, including the infamous siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah.Historical Context Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire. His campaigns are well-documented in both Assyrian records and the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Sennacherib's military prowess and administrative reforms solidified Assyria's dominance in the ancient Near East. Biblical Account The Bible provides a detailed account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah in 701 BC. In 2 Kings 18:13-19:37, Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is described, highlighting his capture of fortified cities and his approach to Jerusalem. The Assyrian king sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to deliver a message to King Hezekiah, mocking the God of Israel and boasting of Assyria's previous victories over other nations and their gods. The Rabshakeh's speech, recorded in 2 Kings 18:19-25, is filled with arrogance and blasphemy, as he questions Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD: "Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you from my hand. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD by saying, 'The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.'" (2 Kings 18:29-30). Divine Intervention Despite Sennacherib's boasts, the biblical narrative emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over earthly rulers. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the LORD, assuring that Sennacherib will not enter Jerusalem. Isaiah 37:33-35 states, "Therefore this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,' declares the LORD. 'I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.'" The LORD's intervention is dramatically fulfilled when an angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscores the futility of Sennacherib's boasting against the God of Israel. Sennacherib's Downfall Sennacherib's end is marked by divine retribution. Upon his return to Nineveh, he is assassinated by his own sons while worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch (2 Kings 19:37). This event fulfills the prophecy given by Isaiah and serves as a testament to the ultimate justice of God against those who exalt themselves against Him. Theological Implications Sennacherib's account is a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and the futility of boasting against the Almighty. It illustrates the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Sennacherib's arrogance and blasphemy stand in stark contrast to Hezekiah's humility and reliance on God, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in the LORD for deliverance and protection. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 18:19And Rabshakeh said to them, Speak you now to Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein you trust? Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 10:8-15 Library The Triumph of Faith Refutation of the Jews Divine Destruction and Protection Who Can Tell? Palestine under Pagan Kings. Resources Irresistible Grace - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach believer's baptism/credobaptism? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Mount Hermon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Boasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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