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 military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah. His account is a vivid illustration of presumption, as he arrogantly challenged the God of Israel and underestimated the divine protection over Jerusalem.Historical Context Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is marked by significant military campaigns, including the infamous siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian king's presumption is most clearly seen in his belief that his military might could overcome any obstacle, including the God of Israel. Biblical Account The primary biblical account of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's presumption is evident in his communications with Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. He sent messengers to taunt and intimidate them, questioning their reliance on God for deliverance. In 2 Kings 18:19-20 , the Rabshakeh, Sennacherib's field commander, declares, "What is this confidence that you have? You say you have strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?" Sennacherib's arrogance reached its peak when he directly challenged the power of the God of Israel, comparing Him to the gods of other nations that Assyria had already conquered. In 2 Kings 19:10-13 , Sennacherib sent a message to Hezekiah, saying, "Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered?" Divine Intervention In response to Sennacherib's presumption, King Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and prayed for deliverance. The prophet Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David. Isaiah 37:33-35 records God's promise: "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.'" That very night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh in disgrace (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored the futility of Sennacherib's presumption and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. Aftermath and Legacy Sennacherib's failure to capture Jerusalem and his subsequent assassination by his own sons (2 Kings 19:37) serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of presumption against God. His account is a testament to the biblical principle that human pride and arrogance are ultimately subject to divine judgment. The narrative of Sennacherib's presumption and downfall is a powerful example of God's protection over His people and His ability to humble even the mightiest of earthly rulers. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 32:13,14Know you not what I and my fathers have done to all the people of other lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of my hand? Nave's Topical Index Library Brother Hugh Isaiah Divine Destruction and Protection Order and Argument in Prayer Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ... General Index. The Iranian Conquest Resources Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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