Topical Encyclopedia The regicide of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, is a significant event recorded in the Bible, highlighting the divine intervention and justice of God against the enemies of His people. This event is primarily documented in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.Biblical Account The narrative of Sennacherib's assassination is found in 2 Kings 19:36-37, 2 Chronicles 32:21, and Isaiah 37:37-38. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had launched a military campaign against Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. After besieging Jerusalem and threatening its destruction, Sennacherib's army was miraculously defeated by an angel of the Lord, who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (2 Kings 19:35). Following this divine intervention, Sennacherib withdrew to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The Bible records that while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer. "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place" (2 Kings 19:37). Historical Context Sennacherib's reign (705–681 BC) was marked by his aggressive military campaigns and his efforts to expand the Assyrian Empire. His invasion of Judah was part of a broader strategy to subdue rebellious vassal states and consolidate Assyrian power in the region. The Assyrian king's arrogance and blasphemy against the God of Israel, as recorded in the biblical texts, set the stage for his downfall. Theological Significance The regicide of Sennacherib is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people. Despite the overwhelming might of the Assyrian army, the Lord delivered Judah from destruction, affirming His covenantal promises to Israel. The assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons serves as a stark reminder of the futility of opposing God's will and the ultimate justice that befalls those who defy Him. Prophetic Fulfillment The events surrounding Sennacherib's demise also fulfill the prophetic words spoken by the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah had assured King Hezekiah that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem and that he would return to his own land, where he would fall by the sword (Isaiah 37:33-34). The fulfillment of this prophecy underscores the reliability of God's word and His control over the affairs of nations. Cultural and Religious Implications The assassination of Sennacherib had significant implications for the ancient Near Eastern world. It marked a turning point in Assyrian history, as internal strife and succession disputes weakened the empire. For the people of Judah, the event reinforced their faith in Yahweh as the true God who defends His people against seemingly insurmountable odds. In summary, the regicide of Sennacherib is a powerful testament to God's intervention in history, His protection of His people, and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. The biblical account serves as a reminder of the ultimate justice that awaits those who oppose the divine will. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:36,37So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelled at Nineveh. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 37:37,38 Library The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is blasphemy? What does it mean to blaspheme? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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