Hena is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian conquests during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The city is referenced in 2 Kings 18:34 and 19:13, as well as in Isaiah 37:13, where it is listed among the cities conquered by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following references:

· 2 Kings 18:34 : "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?"
· 2 Kings 19:13 : "Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?"
· Isaiah 37:13 : "Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?"

Historical and Geographical Context

Hena is believed to have been located on the Euphrates River, a significant waterway in the ancient Near East that served as a major route for trade and military campaigns. The exact location of Hena remains uncertain, but it is often associated with the region of Mesopotamia, which was a center of ancient civilization and culture.

The mention of Hena alongside other cities such as Hamath, Arpad, and Sepharvaim suggests that it was part of a network of cities that were significant in the geopolitical landscape of the time. These cities were known for their strategic importance and were often targets of conquest by expanding empires, such as Assyria.

Biblical Significance

In the biblical narrative, the mention of Hena serves to underscore the power and reach of the Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib. The Assyrian king's rhetorical question about the gods of these cities highlights the futility of relying on local deities for deliverance from the might of Assyria. This is part of a broader theme in the Bible where the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel are contrasted with the impotence of pagan gods.

The context of these passages is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where King Hezekiah is faced with the threat of destruction. The Assyrian envoy, Rabshakeh, uses the example of Hena and other conquered cities to intimidate the people of Judah, suggesting that their fate will be similar unless they surrender.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Hena and the other cities serves as a backdrop to the demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His people. Despite the overwhelming military might of Assyria, the narrative ultimately reveals that it is the God of Israel who delivers Jerusalem from destruction. This is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God's intervention on behalf of His covenant people is a testament to His sovereignty and faithfulness.

The mention of Hena, therefore, is not just a historical footnote but a part of the larger biblical message that emphasizes trust in God over reliance on human strength or foreign alliances. The fate of Hena and similar cities serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of earthly power and the ultimate authority of the divine.2 Kings 18:34
Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 19:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 37:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
Nave's Topical Index

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and the King of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah ... sacred authority of the
suzerain respected in the city, and who ... The mouth of the Euphrates being at ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Mystery
... out of his mouth after the woman, like a river, that he ... or to-morrow we will go into
such a city," kai poiesomen ekei eniauton hena?, "and continue ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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