Topical Encyclopedia 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. His account is a vivid illustration of the misplaced trust of the wicked, as he relied on his own power and the might of his armies rather than acknowledging the sovereignty of the God of Israel.Historical Context Sennacherib reigned from 705 to 681 BC and is best known for his invasion of Judah in 701 BC. His campaign is recorded in several biblical passages, most notably in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's military prowess and the expansion of the Assyrian Empire were significant during his reign, and he is often depicted as a formidable adversary. Biblical Account The biblical narrative describes Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem as a moment of great crisis for Judah. 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." Sennacherib's confidence in his own strength is evident as he sends his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to deliver a message of intimidation to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh's speech, found in 2 Kings 18:19-25, mocks the trust of Hezekiah in the Lord, suggesting that no god of any nation has been able to withstand the might of Assyria. He questions, "On what are you basing this confidence of yours?" (2 Kings 18:19). This rhetorical question underscores the misplaced trust of the wicked, as Sennacherib and his officials place their faith in military power and human wisdom. Divine Intervention Despite the overwhelming threat, King Hezekiah responds with faith in the Lord. He seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prays earnestly for deliverance. The Lord's response, delivered through Isaiah, is a powerful rebuke of Sennacherib's arrogance. In 2 Kings 19:22-23, the Lord declares, "Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!" The narrative reaches its climax with divine intervention. In 2 Kings 19:35, it is recorded: "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 miraculous deliverance underscores the futility of Sennacherib's trust in his own strength and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Aftermath and Legacy Sennacherib's retreat and eventual assassination by his own sons, as noted in 2 Kings 19:37, further illustrate the downfall of those who place their trust in wickedness and defy the living God. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the misplaced trust in human power. The account of Sennacherib in the Bible is a testament to the belief that true security and trust should be placed in God alone, as He is the ultimate authority over all nations and rulers. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 32:8With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Nineveh. The Providence of God Deliverance from Assyria A Song of Deliverance Turn or Burn The Invasion of the Assyrians Who Can Tell? Refutation of the Jews Isaiah Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Resources Why should I trust GotQuestions.org? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we learn to trust God like the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about trusting others? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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