Sennach'erib, the son of Sargon II, was the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC. He is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Sennach'erib's interactions with Judah are documented in several books of the Bible, including 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Historical Context and Reign

Sennach'erib ascended to the Assyrian throne following the death of his father, Sargon II. His reign is noted for its military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the expansion of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital. Sennach'erib's military endeavors were aimed at consolidating Assyrian power and suppressing rebellions within the empire.

Campaign Against Judah

The most significant biblical account of Sennach'erib is his campaign against Judah, which is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennach'erib invaded Judah, capturing fortified cities and demanding tribute. Hezekiah initially complied, sending silver and gold from the temple and royal treasury (2 Kings 18:14-16).

Despite this tribute, Sennach'erib's forces besieged Jerusalem. The Assyrian king sent his officials, including the Rabshakeh, to deliver a message of intimidation to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, questioning their reliance on God and urging them to surrender (2 Kings 18:17-35; Isaiah 36:4-20).

Divine Intervention and Assyrian Defeat

In response to Sennach'erib's threats, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prayed for deliverance. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would defend the city and that Sennach'erib would not enter Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:6-7; Isaiah 37:6-7). The biblical narrative records a miraculous event where an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennach'erib to withdraw to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36; Isaiah 37:36-37).

Sennach'erib's Death

Sennach'erib's demise is briefly mentioned in the Bible. While worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was assassinated by his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer, who fled to the land of Ararat. His son Esarhaddon succeeded him as king (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38).

Archaeological Corroboration

The biblical account of Sennach'erib's campaign against Judah is corroborated by Assyrian records, including the Taylor Prism, which details Sennach'erib's military exploits. The prism describes the siege of Jerusalem but notably omits any mention of its capture, aligning with the biblical narrative of divine intervention.

Theological Significance

Sennach'erib's account is often cited as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in protecting His people. The defeat of the Assyrian army serves as a powerful example of divine intervention in response to prayer and reliance on God. The narrative underscores the futility of opposing God's will and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.Sennach'erib (13 Occurrences)

2 Kings 18:13
Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 19:16
Incline Thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open Thine eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, wherewith he hath sent him to taunt the living God.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 19:20
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying: 'Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: Whereas thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard thee.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 19:36
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 32:1
After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to make a breach therein for himself.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 32:2
And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 32:9
After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem--now he was before Lachish, and all his power with him--unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying:
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 32:10
Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria: Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide the siege in Jerusalem?
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2 Chronicles 32:22
Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all, and guided them on every side.
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Isaiah 36:1
Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:17
Incline Thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open Thine eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to taunt the living God.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:21
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying: 'Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: Whereas thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria,
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:37
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went, and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
(See RSV)

Sennach'erib (13 Occurrences)
Sennach'erib. Sennacherib, Sennach'erib. Sensations . Multi-Version
Concordance Sennach'erib (13 Occurrences). 2 Kings 18:13 Now ...
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Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)

/s/sennacherib.htm - 18k

Sensations (1 Occurrence)

/s/sensations.htm - 6k

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