Historical Context:
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, is a prominent figure in biblical history, particularly known for his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by aggressive expansion and consolidation of the Assyrian Empire, which brought him into direct conflict with the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah.

Biblical Account:
The siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib is one of the most dramatic episodes recorded in the Old Testament. The primary biblical accounts of this event are found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. These passages describe how Sennacherib, after subduing much of the region, turned his attention to Judah, capturing several fortified cities (2 Kings 18:13).

Hezekiah's Response:
King Hezekiah, known for his faithfulness to the LORD, initially attempted to appease Sennacherib by paying a substantial tribute, stripping the gold from the doors of the temple to meet the demands (2 Kings 18:14-16). Despite this, Sennacherib sent his officials, including the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender, mocking Hezekiah's trust in the LORD and boasting of Assyria's past conquests (2 Kings 18:17-35).

Divine Intervention:
In response to the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and earnestly prayed for deliverance. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that the LORD would defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:6-7, 19:34). The biblical narrative records a miraculous deliverance: "Then 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!" (2 Kings 19:35).

Aftermath:
Following this divine intervention, Sennacherib withdrew to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons (2 Kings 19:36-37). This event is corroborated by Assyrian records, which, while not mentioning the loss of troops, do acknowledge Sennacherib's failure to capture Jerusalem.

Theological Significance:
Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It underscores the biblical theme that God protects and preserves His people, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. The account also highlights the importance of faith and prayer, as exemplified by Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD rather than military might or political alliances.

Archaeological Evidence:
The historical accuracy of the biblical account is supported by archaeological findings, including the Taylor Prism, an Assyrian artifact that details Sennacherib's campaigns. While the prism boasts of trapping Hezekiah "like a bird in a cage," it notably omits any claim of capturing Jerusalem, aligning with the biblical narrative of Assyria's failure to conquer the city.

Conclusion:
Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem remains a significant event in biblical history, illustrating the interplay between divine providence and human agency. It serves as a reminder of God's power to deliver His people and the futility of opposing His will.