Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, 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. Sennacherib's reign is well-documented both in the Bible and in Assyrian records, providing a comprehensive view of his impact on the ancient Near East.Historical Context Sennacherib ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Sargon II. His reign was marked by significant military campaigns aimed at consolidating Assyrian power and expanding its territories. The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, was one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world, known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency. Campaign Against Judah The most notable biblical account of Sennacherib is his campaign against Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib invaded Judah and captured many fortified cities. The biblical narrative highlights the siege of Jerusalem, where Sennacherib's forces surrounded the city, demanding its surrender. 2 Kings 18:13 states, "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them." 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. Divine Intervention The biblical account emphasizes the role of divine intervention in the deliverance of Jerusalem. In response to Hezekiah's prayer and the prophet Isaiah's counsel, God promised to defend the city. Isaiah 37:33-35 records God's assurance: "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 own sake and for the sake of My servant David.'" That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh. This miraculous event is recorded in 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!" Sennacherib's Demise Sennacherib's end is also noted in the biblical narrative. After his retreat, he was later assassinated by his own sons while worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. 2 Kings 19:37 states, "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place." Archaeological Corroboration The historical account of Sennacherib's campaign is corroborated by archaeological findings, including the Taylor Prism, an Assyrian artifact that records Sennacherib's military exploits. The prism details his siege of Jerusalem, though it notably omits the defeat described in the biblical narrative, instead claiming Hezekiah was "shut up like a bird in a cage." Sennacherib's reign and his interactions with Judah remain a significant study in biblical history, illustrating the interplay between divine providence and historical events. His account serves as a testament to the power of God to protect His people against seemingly insurmountable odds. Smith's Bible Dictionary Sennacherib or Sennacherib(sin, the moon, increases brothers), was the son and successor of Sargon. [SARGON] His name in the original is read as Tsinakki-irib , the meaning of which, as given above indicates that he was not the first-born of his father. Sennacherib mounted the throne B.C. 702. His efforts were directed to crushing the revolt of Babylonia, which he invaded with a large army. Merodach-baladan ventured on a battle, but was defeated and driven from the country. In his third year, B.C. 700, Sennacherib turned his arms toward the west, chastised Sidon, and, having probably concluded a convention with his chief enemy finally marched against Hezekiah, king of Judah. It was at this time that "Sennacherib came up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them." (2 Kings 18:13) There can be no doubt that the record which he has left of his campaign against "Hiskiah" in his third year is the war with Hezekiah so briefly touched in vs. 13-16 of this chapter. In the following year (B.C. 699) Sennacherib made his second expedition into Palestine. Hezekiah had again revolted, and claimed the protection of Egypt. Sennacherib therefore attacked Egypt, and from his camp at Lachish and Libnah he sent an insulting letter to Hezekiah at Jerusalem. In answer to Hezekiah's prayer an event occurred which relieved both Egypt and Judea from their danger. In one night the Assyrians lost, either by a pestilence or by some more awful manifestation of divine power, 185,000 men! The camp immediately broke up; the king fled. Sennacherib reached his capital in safety, and was not deterred by the terrible disaster which had befallen his arms from engaging in other wars, though he seems thenceforward to have carefully avoided Palestine. Sennacherib reigned 22 years and was succeeded by Esar-haddon, B.C. 680. Sennacherib was one of the most magnificent of the Assyrian kings. Seems to have been the first who fixed the seat of government permanently at Nineveh, which he carefully repaired and adorned with splendid buildings. His greatest work is the grand palace Kouyunjik. Of the death of Sennacherib nothing is known beyond the brief statement of Scripture that "as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword and escaped into the land of Armenia." (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38) Strong's Hebrew 152. Adrammelek -- "Adar is prince," an Assyr. idol, also a son of ...... "Adar is prince," an Assyr. idol, also a son of Sennacherib. Transliteration: Adrammelek Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ram-meh'-lek) Short Definition: Adrammelech. ... /hebrew/152.htm - 6k 5576. Sancherib -- a king of Assyr. Library Hezekiah and Sennacherib. The Destruction of Sennacherib How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 A Strange Reward for Faithfulness England's Strength 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted' Nineveh. The Triumph of Faith Resources What is Israel's role in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Why did God judge Nineveh so harshly in the book of Nahum? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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