Topical Bible: Judgments: Sennacherib

◄ Judgments: Sennacherib ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

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 during the reign of King Hezekiah. His interactions with Judah are recorded in several biblical passages, most notably in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. These accounts highlight the divine judgment that befell Sennacherib due to his arrogance and blasphemy against the God of Israel.

Historical Context

Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is marked by numerous military campaigns, including those against Babylon and the Levant. The Assyrian Empire, at its height, was known for its military prowess and its policy of deporting conquered peoples to prevent rebellion.

Campaign Against Judah

Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is one of the most documented events of his reign. In 701 BC, he invaded Judah, capturing many fortified cities. The biblical narrative focuses on his siege of Jerusalem, where King Hezekiah ruled. Sennacherib sent envoys to Jerusalem, demanding its surrender and mocking Hezekiah's trust in the LORD.

Biblical Account

The biblical account emphasizes Sennacherib's arrogance and blasphemy. In 2 Kings 18:19-25, the Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, taunts the people of Jerusalem, questioning their reliance on Egypt and their faith in the LORD. He claims that no god of any nation has been able to deliver their lands from the king of Assyria.

Hezekiah's response is one of faith and prayer. He seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah, who assures him of divine intervention. Isaiah 37:6-7 records the LORD's message to Hezekiah: "Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword."

Divine Judgment

The climax of the narrative is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh. This event is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Sennacherib's demise is further detailed in 2 Kings 19:36-37, where it is recorded that he was assassinated by his own sons while worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. This act of patricide fulfilled the prophecy given to Hezekiah, underscoring the theme of divine retribution against those who defy the LORD.

Archaeological Corroboration

The biblical account of Sennacherib's campaign is corroborated by archaeological findings, including the Taylor Prism, an Assyrian artifact that records Sennacherib's military exploits. While the prism boasts of his victories, it notably omits the capture of Jerusalem, aligning with the biblical narrative of his retreat.

Theological Significance

The judgment of Sennacherib serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. It illustrates the futility of human pride and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. The account encourages believers to trust in God's protection and to remain steadfast in faith, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 19:35-37
And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... After this when Sennacherib returned, fleeing the plague from the Jewry, that God
had ... And now, Lord, great be thy judgments, for we have not done according to ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... that he should have constantly connected with present or impending judgments glorious
promises respecting the future. The destruction of Sennacherib's army by ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Isaiah
... are sure; or it may be meant to suggest that God's judgments are tempered ... Jerusalem,
by "a great multitude of all the nations," clearly Sennacherib's army, xxix ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/isaiah.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... I have slain them by the words of My mouth: and thy judgments are as ... It shall be
also carried unto Assyria for a present to King Jareb" (Sennacherib). ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... (2) The invasion of Judah by Sennacherib, king of Assyria who at first humiliated
Hezekiah, but ... (4) That God's judgments were certain to overtake the sinful. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm

Isaiah.
... fulfilled: (a) God's judgments on the kings of Israel and the nation of Israel,
Ch.7. (b) The overthrow of Sennacherib, Chs.13 and 37. ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xv isaiah.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... to the exact meaning of the words, is when executing his judgments by Satan as ... declared
that he was not inactive among theme when he called Sennacherib an axe ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of Thy judgments.12. ... for point, to these
details"the crushing destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... upon Ephraim and then upon Judah and Jerusalem, God's heavy judgments for their ... Next
follows the history of Sennacherib's invasion and overthrow; of Hezekiah's ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Living One
... of the Beast; and to be preserved from and through the consequent judgments which
shall ... Isaiah 37:4,17, where it is used against the reproach of Sennacherib. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the living one.htm