Topical Bible: Patricide of Sennacherib

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Topical Encyclopedia

The patricide of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, is a significant event recorded in the Bible, specifically in the context of God's judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy. Sennacherib, known for his military campaigns and his role in the siege of Jerusalem, met his demise at the hands of his own sons, an event that underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and rulers.

Biblical Account

The account of Sennacherib's assassination is found in 2 Kings 19:36-37 and Isaiah 37:37-38. After his failed attempt to capture Jerusalem, Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The Bible records: "So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. 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" (2 Kings 19:36-37).

Historical and Theological Context

Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and his subsequent assassination are pivotal in understanding the divine protection over Jerusalem and the fulfillment of prophetic words spoken by the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah had prophesied that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem, and his downfall was a testament to God's faithfulness to His word: "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'" (Isaiah 37:33).

The assassination of Sennacherib by his sons is also a reflection of the internal strife and instability that can arise within a kingdom that defies the God of Israel. The act of patricide, particularly in the context of ancient Near Eastern royal families, was a severe breach of familial and societal norms, highlighting the moral and spiritual decay within the Assyrian empire.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The death of Sennacherib at the hands of his own offspring serves as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a demonstration of God's justice. It illustrates the biblical principle that those who exalt themselves against the Lord and His anointed will ultimately face divine retribution. The event is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over the rulers of the earth.

Legacy and Impact

The assassination of Sennacherib had significant implications for the Assyrian empire. His son, Esarhaddon, ascended to the throne, and his reign marked a period of both consolidation and expansion for Assyria. However, the internal conflict and the manner of Sennacherib's death left a lasting impression on the historical narrative of Assyria and its interactions with the surrounding nations, including Judah.

In summary, the patricide of Sennacherib is a profound biblical event that underscores the themes of divine justice, prophetic fulfillment, and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men. It serves as a historical testament to the power of God to protect His people and to bring about His purposes in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 19:37
And 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.
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Isaiah 37:38
And 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