Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly noted for his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by a notable event involving a conspiracy against him, which is recorded in the Bible and provides insight into the political and spiritual dynamics of the time.Biblical Account The primary biblical account of Sennacherib's conspiracy is found in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. During his reign, Sennacherib launched an invasion against Judah, capturing many fortified cities and laying siege to Jerusalem. King Hezekiah of Judah, facing the threat of destruction, sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. In response to Hezekiah's faithfulness, God delivered Judah from the Assyrian threat. The angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance is a testament to God's power and protection over His people. The Conspiracy Against Sennacherib The Bible records that after his retreat, Sennacherib faced a conspiracy that led to his assassination. 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 act of patricide highlights the internal strife and political instability within the Assyrian empire. The assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons suggests a power struggle and possibly a divine retribution for his blasphemous defiance against the God of Israel. The fact that his sons fled to Ararat indicates the seriousness of the conspiracy and the potential for further conflict over the Assyrian throne. Historical Context Sennacherib's reign was characterized by his ambitious military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the expansion of Nineveh. His invasion of Judah was part of a broader strategy to assert Assyrian dominance over the region. The biblical narrative, however, emphasizes the futility of opposing God's will, as demonstrated by the failure of Sennacherib's campaign and his subsequent assassination. The historical records outside the Bible, such as the Assyrian annals, corroborate the biblical account of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah, though they do not mention the miraculous defeat of his army. These records provide additional context to the political and military landscape of the Near East during his reign. Theological Implications The conspiracy against Sennacherib serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and rulers. It underscores the biblical theme that those who exalt themselves against God will ultimately face His judgment. Sennacherib's downfall is a powerful illustration of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The account of Sennacherib's conspiracy and assassination also highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God, as exemplified by King Hezekiah. It serves as an encouragement to believers to trust in God's deliverance and justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds and threats. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:37And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index Library Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) A Strange Reward for Faithfulness The Kingdom of Judah. Interpretation of Prophecy. Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Palestine under Pagan Kings. The Antiquities of the Jews The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the Illuminati conspiracy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Reptilian conspiracy? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org Conspiracy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conspiracy of Jezebel, Against Naboth Conspiracy of Servants, Against Joash Conspiracy: Abimelech Against Gideon's Sons Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth Conspiracy: Delilah, Against Samson Conspiracy: Gaal, Against Abimelech Conspiracy: Joseph's Brother, Against Joseph Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Conspiracy: People in Jerusalem, Against Amaziah Conspiracy: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego Conspiracy: Shallum, Against Zachariah Related Terms Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) |
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