Introduction

Nineveh, the ancient Assyrian city, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly during the reign of King Sennacherib. As the capital of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh was a center of power and culture. Sennacherib, one of its most notable rulers, is prominently mentioned in the Bible for his military campaigns and interactions with the Kingdom of Judah.

Historical Context

Nineveh, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, was one of the oldest and most populous cities of antiquity. It became the capital of the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib, who reigned from 705 to 681 BC. Sennacherib is known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of Nineveh, which he transformed into a magnificent city with impressive walls, palaces, and temples.

Sennacherib's Campaigns

Sennacherib is best known in the biblical narrative for his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Bible records these events in several passages, notably in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37.

In 2 Kings 18:13 , it is written: "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them." This campaign was part of Sennacherib's broader efforts to consolidate Assyrian power and suppress rebellions in the region.

The Siege of Jerusalem

One of the most dramatic episodes involving Sennacherib is the siege of Jerusalem. According to 2 Kings 19:32-34 , the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from the LORD to King Hezekiah, assuring him of divine protection: "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 sake and for the sake of My servant David.'"

The biblical account describes a miraculous deliverance, where an angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Sennacherib's Demise

Sennacherib's end is 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." This assassination marked the end of Sennacherib's reign and the continuation of Assyrian rule under his successor, Esarhaddon.

Archaeological Corroboration

Archaeological discoveries, such as the Taylor Prism, provide extrabiblical evidence of Sennacherib's reign and his campaigns. The prism, an Assyrian artifact, details Sennacherib's military exploits, including his siege of Jerusalem, aligning with the biblical narrative.

Conclusion

The account of Sennacherib in Nineveh, as recorded in the Bible, highlights the interplay between divine intervention and historical events. Sennacherib's interactions with the Kingdom of Judah serve as a testament to the power and sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, as well as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly empires.2 Kings 19:36,37
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelled at Nineveh.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 37:37,38
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelled at Nineveh.
Nave's Topical Index

Nineveh.
... Sennacherib, in rage and fury, cruelly persecuted the Israelites at Nineveh for
their connection with the Jews; and then it was that the pious Tobit buried the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

Hezekiah and Sennacherib.
... Then Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, and as he was worshipping in the house
of his god, there came to him two of his sons, who killed him. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/hezekiah and sennacherib.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... His vanquished foes led him captive to Nineveh, where Sennacherib exposed him in
chains at the principal gateway of his palace: the Babylonians, who owed to ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8
... Sennacherib invades Elam (693 BC): battle of Khalule (692 BC), siege and destruction
of Babylon (689 BC) -- Buildings of Sennacherib at Nineveh: his palace at ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 8/title page.htm

How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What
... rest of his forces to his own kingdom, and to his city Nineveh; and when ... and went
into Armenia, while Assarachoddas took the kingdom of Sennacherib." And this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how sennacherib made.htm

Questions.
... 21. What was the rebuke for his display? 22. Who was the King of Nineveh after
Sennacherib? A. Esarhaddon, also called Sardocheus, and Asnapper. 23. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

England's Strength
... They are a number of sculptures and paintings, representing Sennacherib, his army ...
and having been lately discovered there, among the ruins of Nineveh, have been ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm

'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
... all dead corpses.36. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went
and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.37. And it came to pass ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/he uttered his voice the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Murder of Sennacherib and accession of Esarhaddon: defeat of Sharezer (681
BC)"Campaigns ... invasion of Egypt and subjection of the country to Nineveh (670 BC ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria.htm

The History after the Flood.
... and Calah, and Resen, between Nineveh and Calah; and Nineveh became a ... of Assyria:
Tiglath-Pileser, and after him Shalmaneser, then Sennacherib; and Adrammelech ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

When and how was Nineveh destroyed? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God judge Nineveh so harshly in the book of Nahum? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.org

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