Isaiah 36:1

In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.

Study Bible

In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign
This phrase situates the events in the historical context of King Hezekiah's rule over Judah, which is generally dated to around 701 BC. Hezekiah was a king known for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Kings 18:3-6. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of idolatrous practices. The fourteenth year of his reign is significant as it marks a period of political and military tension with the Assyrian Empire.

Sennacherib king of Assyria
Sennacherib was one of the most powerful rulers of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, reigning from 705 to 681 BC. Known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects, Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is well-documented both in the Bible and in Assyrian records, such as the Taylor Prism. His campaign against Judah was part of a larger strategy to consolidate Assyrian control over the Levant and suppress any rebellion against Assyrian dominance.

attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah
This phrase highlights the military prowess of the Assyrian army and the dire situation faced by Judah. The fortified cities were strategically important for defense and trade, and their capture would have been a significant blow to Judah's security and economy. Archaeological evidence, such as the Lachish Reliefs found in Sennacherib's palace in Nineveh, depicts the siege and capture of Lachish, one of Judah's key fortified cities. This event underscores the threat posed by Assyria and sets the stage for the subsequent siege of Jerusalem, as described in Isaiah 37. Theologically, this moment of crisis serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in delivering Jerusalem, as prophesied in Isaiah 37:33-35.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Hezekiah
The king of Judah during this period, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people.

2. Sennacherib
The king of Assyria, a powerful empire known for its military might and expansionist policies. He is the antagonist in this account, leading the attack against Judah.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of the Israelites, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It is the focal point of Sennacherib's military campaign.

4. Fortified Cities of Judah
These were strategically important cities with defensive structures meant to protect against invasions. Their capture signifies a significant threat to the kingdom of Judah.

5. Assyrian Attack
This event marks a critical moment of crisis for Judah, testing the faith and leadership of King Hezekiah.

Teaching Points

Faith in Crisis
Hezekiah's reign was marked by faithfulness, yet he faced severe trials. This teaches us that faith does not exempt us from challenges but equips us to face them.

Divine Sovereignty
Despite the Assyrian threat, God's sovereignty is evident. Believers can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's response to the crisis was to seek God in prayer. This underscores the importance of turning to God in times of trouble.

Leadership Under Pressure
Hezekiah's leadership during the invasion is a model for how to lead with integrity and reliance on God during difficult times.

God's Deliverance
The eventual deliverance of Judah highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to save His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge or inspire your own approach to crises in your life?

2. In what ways can you see God's sovereignty at work in your current circumstances, even when facing challenges?

3. How can Hezekiah's reliance on prayer during the Assyrian invasion inform your own prayer life, especially in times of trouble?

4. What lessons can you learn from Hezekiah's leadership that can be applied to your roles and responsibilities today?

5. How does the account of God's deliverance of Judah encourage you to trust in God's promises and power in your own life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of Sennacherib's invasion and Hezekiah's response, offering additional details about the events and God's deliverance.

2 Chronicles 32
Also recounts the Assyrian invasion, emphasizing Hezekiah's faith and the miraculous intervention by God.

Isaiah 37
Continues the account, detailing Hezekiah's prayer and God's response through the prophet Isaiah, leading to the defeat of the Assyrians.