Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a prominent biblical figure known for his self-exaltation and defiance against the God of Israel. His reign is marked by military campaigns and a notable confrontation with the Kingdom of Judah, which is recorded in the Bible, particularly in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Historical Context

Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is characterized by aggressive military campaigns aimed at consolidating Assyrian power and subjugating rebellious territories. The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, was at the height of its power, exerting influence over much of the Near East.

Biblical Account

The biblical narrative of Sennacherib's self-exaltation is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian king, having already captured the fortified cities of Judah, set his sights on Jerusalem.

In 2 Kings 18:13-14 , it is recorded: "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish: 'I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me.' The king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold."

Despite Hezekiah's attempt to appease Sennacherib with tribute, the Assyrian king's ambition and arrogance led him to besiege Jerusalem. Sennacherib's self-exaltation is vividly illustrated in his message to Hezekiah, delivered by his field commander, the Rabshakeh. In 2 Kings 18:19-25 , the Rabshakeh mocks Hezekiah's trust in the LORD, claiming that no god of any nation has been able to withstand the might of Assyria.

Divine Intervention

Sennacherib's self-exaltation reached its peak when he blasphemed the God of Israel, equating Him with the powerless gods of other nations. This act of hubris prompted a divine response. Hezekiah, in distress, sought the LORD's deliverance through prayer and the counsel of the prophet Isaiah.

In 2 Kings 19:32-34 , the LORD's response through Isaiah is recorded: "Therefore this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here or 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.'"

That very night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh in disgrace (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Aftermath and Legacy

Sennacherib's self-exaltation and subsequent defeat serve as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God over the nations. His failure to conquer Jerusalem and his eventual assassination by his own sons (2 Kings 19:37) underscore the biblical theme that pride and self-exaltation lead to downfall.

The historical and biblical accounts of Sennacherib's reign highlight the dangers of self-exaltation and the futility of opposing the divine will. His account is a reminder of the ultimate authority of God and the protection He offers to those who trust in Him.2 Chronicles 32:9-19
After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) to Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

The Harbinger
... Thus Sennacherib, when sent by the God whom he knew not, to execute ... to the pulling
down of strongholds, high thoughts, and every species of self-exaltation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ii the harbinger.htm

General Index.
... Self-depreciation, 477. Self-exaltation, Luther removed from danger of, 170. danger
from, 471, 494-499, 503. ... Self-sufficiency, 509. Sennacherib, 512. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

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