Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative due to his military campaign against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. This event is recorded in several books of the Bible, including 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, and is corroborated by Assyrian historical records.Historical Context Sennacherib ascended to the Assyrian throne following the death of his father, Sargon II. His reign was marked by extensive military campaigns aimed at consolidating Assyrian power and expanding its territories. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency, was the dominant power in the Near East during this period. The Invasion of Judah The biblical account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. The narrative begins with Sennacherib's campaign against the fortified cities of Judah, which he captured with relative ease. The Assyrian king then set his sights on Jerusalem, the capital city, where Hezekiah reigned. In 2 Kings 18:13 , 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." This verse sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between Sennacherib and Hezekiah. Hezekiah's Response Faced with the overwhelming might of the Assyrian army, Hezekiah initially sought to appease Sennacherib by paying a substantial tribute. He stripped the gold from the doors of the temple and gave it to the Assyrian king (2 Kings 18:15-16). Despite this, Sennacherib sent his officials, including the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender. The Rabshakeh's speech, recorded in 2 Kings 18:19-35, was a psychological warfare tactic designed to demoralize the people of Jerusalem and undermine their trust in Hezekiah and the LORD. Hezekiah, however, turned to the LORD in prayer, seeking divine intervention. Divine Intervention The prophet Isaiah played a crucial role during this crisis. He assured Hezekiah that the LORD would defend Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 19:6-7 , Isaiah conveyed God's message: "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." The LORD's promise was fulfilled in a miraculous manner. According to 2 Kings 19:35 , "That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!" This divine intervention forced Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh. Aftermath and Legacy Sennacherib's retreat marked a significant moment in the history of Judah, as Jerusalem was spared from destruction. The Assyrian king's failure to capture the city is also noted in his own annals, where he claims to have trapped Hezekiah "like a bird in a cage," but does not mention capturing the city. Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is a testament to the LORD's power and faithfulness in protecting His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and reliance on God in times of crisis. The event is celebrated in the biblical narrative as a demonstration of divine deliverance and the futility of opposing the will of the Almighty. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 18:17-37And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:8 2 Chronicles 32:1-23 Isaiah 36:1 Isaiah 37:1 Library History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow do I know the Bible is not just mythology? | GotQuestions.org Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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