Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, particularly noted for his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The narrative of Sennacherib's threat being renewed is primarily found in 2 Kings 19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 37. This event is a significant moment in the history of Israel, showcasing the power of God in delivering His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. Historical Background: Sennacherib ascended to the Assyrian throne in 705 BC, succeeding his father Sargon II. Known for his military prowess and ambitious building projects, Sennacherib sought to expand Assyrian dominance over the Near East. His campaign against Judah was part of a broader strategy to subdue rebellious vassal states and secure Assyrian control over the region. The Renewed Threat: After initially besieging Jerusalem and demanding its surrender, Sennacherib's forces faced a setback due to a plague that decimated his army. Despite this, Sennacherib renewed his threats against Jerusalem, sending envoys to deliver a message of intimidation to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. The Assyrian king boasted of his past conquests and questioned the ability of the God of Israel to deliver Jerusalem from his hand. Biblical Account: In 2 Kings 19:9-13 , the narrative describes how Sennacherib, upon hearing that King Tirhakah of Cush was marching out to fight against him, sent messengers again to Hezekiah with a letter. The letter reiterated his threats and mocked the God of Israel, comparing Him to the gods of other nations that had fallen before Assyria. Hezekiah's response to this renewed threat is one of faith and reliance on God. He took the letter to the temple and spread it before the LORD, praying for deliverance. In 2 Kings 19:15-19 , Hezekiah's prayer is recorded, where he acknowledges the sovereignty of God over all kingdoms and pleads for divine intervention to save Jerusalem for the sake of God's name. Divine Intervention: The prophet Isaiah, a contemporary of Hezekiah, played a crucial role in this narrative. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, Isaiah delivered a message from the LORD, assuring the king that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem. Isaiah 37:33-35 records the LORD's promise: "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. 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.'" Outcome: The fulfillment of God's promise is dramatically depicted in 2 Kings 19:35-36 , where it is recorded that the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. This miraculous deliverance forced Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons. Theological Significance: Sennacherib's renewed threat and the subsequent divine deliverance underscore the themes of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and power to save. The narrative serves as a testament to the importance of trusting in God amidst adversity and the futility of opposing His divine will. The account also highlights the role of prayer and prophetic assurance in the life of God's people, demonstrating that God hears and responds to the cries of His faithful servants. |