Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. His account is a profound illustration of misplaced confidence and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations.Historical Context Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is marked by military campaigns aimed at consolidating Assyrian power and subduing rebellious territories. The biblical account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's Confidence in His Own Power Sennacherib's confidence was rooted in the might of the Assyrian military machine, which had successfully subdued many nations. This confidence is evident in his communication with Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 18:19-25, the Rabshakeh, Sennacherib's field commander, taunts Hezekiah, questioning his reliance on Egypt and even on the LORD: "Now, on whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. But if you say to me, ‘We are depending on the LORD our God’—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem’?" (2 Kings 18:20-22). Sennacherib's confidence was not only in his military prowess but also in his belief that the gods of the nations he had conquered were powerless to save them, and he equated the God of Israel with these defeated deities. Hezekiah's Confidence in the LORD In stark contrast to Sennacherib's arrogance, King Hezekiah placed his confidence in the LORD. Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek divine intervention. He went to the house of the LORD and sent for the prophet Isaiah, seeking a word from God (2 Kings 19:1-2). Isaiah's prophecy assured Hezekiah that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem, and the LORD Himself would defend the city. Isaiah 37:33-35 records the LORD's promise: "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 Outcome The biblical narrative concludes with the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This event demonstrated the futility of Sennacherib's confidence in his own strength and the supremacy of the God of Israel. Sennacherib's demise came later at the hands of his own sons, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:37: "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." Theological Implications The account of Sennacherib serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. It underscores the biblical truth that true confidence should be placed in the LORD, who is sovereign over all nations and rulers. The account of Sennacherib and Hezekiah highlights the faithfulness of God to protect and deliver those who trust in Him, contrasting human arrogance with divine power and faithfulness. 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 The Triumph of Faith 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted' Demonstration v. --Of Wars. Where to Carry Troubles Deliverance from Assyria Isaiah The City and River of God A Song of Deliverance Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. The Kingdom of Judah. Resources What does the Bible say about confidentiality? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about assertiveness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about courage? | GotQuestions.org Confidence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Confidence: Betrayed: Abner, by Joab Confidence: Betrayed: Ahimelech, by David Confidence: Betrayed: Amasa, by Joab Confidence: Betrayed: Eglon, by Ehud Confidence: Betrayed: Joshua, by the Gibeonites Confidence: Betrayed: The Worshipers of Baal, by Jehu Select Readings: Confidence in God Related Terms |
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