Topical Bible: Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Sennacherib's Army, and his Death

◄ Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Sennacherib's Army, and his Death ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the destruction of Sennacherib's army and his subsequent death is a significant event in biblical history, demonstrating the fulfillment of prophecy and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. This event is recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, providing a comprehensive narrative of divine intervention and judgment.

Historical Context

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, reigned from 705 to 681 BC and was known for his military campaigns and expansion of the Assyrian Empire. During his reign, he launched an invasion against the Kingdom of Judah, threatening Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian king's campaign is well-documented both in biblical texts and Assyrian records, such as the Taylor Prism.

Biblical Account

The biblical narrative begins with Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 18:13-19:37, 2 Chronicles 32:1-22, and Isaiah 36-37, Sennacherib's envoy, Rabshakeh, delivers a message of intimidation to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, mocking their trust in the LORD and urging them to surrender. In response, Hezekiah seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prays earnestly for divine deliverance.

Isaiah delivers a prophecy from the LORD, assuring Hezekiah that Sennacherib will not enter the city, nor will he shoot an arrow there. The LORD declares that He will defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:32-34, Isaiah 37:33-35).

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-37 and Isaiah 37:36-38. The angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, leading to a miraculous deliverance for Jerusalem. The Assyrian army is decimated, and Sennacherib is forced to withdraw to Nineveh in disgrace.

The prophecy concerning Sennacherib's death is also fulfilled. While worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, Sennacherib is assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer. They flee to the land of Ararat, and Esarhaddon, another of Sennacherib's sons, succeeds him as king (2 Kings 19:37, Isaiah 37:38).

Theological Significance

The destruction of Sennacherib's army and his death serve as a powerful testament to God's ability to protect His people and fulfill His promises. This event underscores the futility of human arrogance and the ultimate authority of God over the nations. It also highlights the importance of faith and prayer, as demonstrated by Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD in the face of overwhelming odds.

The historical and prophetic accuracy of this account is further corroborated by archaeological findings and Assyrian records, which, while not detailing the miraculous destruction, confirm Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and his assassination. This convergence of biblical narrative and historical evidence reinforces the reliability of Scripture and the reality of divine intervention in human history.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 19:6,7,20-37
And Isaiah said to them, Thus shall you say to your master, Thus said the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
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