Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his blasphemous actions against the God of Israel. His reign is marked by military campaigns and a notable confrontation with the Kingdom of Judah, which is detailed 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 military campaigns included the invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. This invasion is a significant event in biblical history, as it highlights the Assyrian king's arrogance and defiance against the God of Israel. Blasphemous Actions The blasphemy of Sennacherib is most vividly illustrated in his siege of Jerusalem. As recorded in 2 Kings 18:13-37 and Isaiah 36, Sennacherib sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to deliver a message to King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh's speech is filled with contempt for the God of Israel, as he attempts to undermine the people's faith and confidence in divine deliverance. In 2 Kings 18:29-30 , the Rabshakeh declares, "This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my hand. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, 'The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.'" The Rabshakeh further blasphemes by equating the God of Israel with the gods of other nations, suggesting that just as those gods failed to protect their lands from Assyria, so too would the God of Israel fail. This is a direct challenge to the sovereignty and power of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Divine Response In response to Sennacherib's blasphemy, King Hezekiah seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prays earnestly for deliverance. Isaiah delivers a message from the LORD, assuring Hezekiah that Sennacherib will not enter Jerusalem. Isaiah 37:33-35 states, "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 own sake and for the sake of My servant David.'" The LORD's response to Sennacherib's blasphemy is swift and decisive. In a miraculous event, the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-36 and Isaiah 37:36-37. Aftermath Sennacherib's blasphemy and subsequent defeat serve as a powerful testament to the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel. Despite his earlier successes and the might of the Assyrian Empire, Sennacherib's arrogance and defiance against Yahweh lead to his downfall. His assassination by his own sons, as noted in 2 Kings 19:37 , further underscores the divine judgment against him. The account of Sennacherib's blasphemy and its consequences is a profound reminder of the biblical principle that God will not be mocked, and those who challenge His authority will ultimately face His judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 19:4,10,22It may be the LORD your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD your God has heard: why lift up your prayer for the remnant that are left. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Here Followeth the History of Tobit Of the Removal of the Remains of John and of the Faith of ... Deliverance from Assyria Hezekiah, the Praying King The Story of God's Mighty Acts Order and Argument in Prayer Psalms The Miracles Discussion of the Subject of Permission A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Resources What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the blasphemy challenge? | GotQuestions.org What is blasphemy? What does it mean to blaspheme? | GotQuestions.org Blasphemy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Blasphemy: Against the Holy Spirit, Unpardonable Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Charged Upon Christ Blasphemy: Charged Upon Saints Blasphemy: Christ Assailed With Blasphemy: Connected With Folly and Pride Blasphemy: False Indictments for of Naboth Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Falsely Accused of, Previously to his Trial Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Stephen Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: Gives No Occasion For Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Blasphemy: Idolatry Counted As Blasphemy: Infidels, Who Used the Adultery of David As an Occasion to Blaspheme Blasphemy: Job's Wife, when She Exhorted Job to Curse God and Die Blasphemy: Peter, when Accused of Being a Disciple of Jesus Blasphemy: Proceeds from the Heart Blasphemy: Rabshakeh, in the Siege of Jerusalem Blasphemy: Saints Grieved to Hear Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation With an Israelite, Cursed God Blasphemy: The Revilers of Jesus, when he Was Crucified Blasphemy: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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