Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the powerful king of Assyria, reigned from 705 to 681 BC and is prominently featured in the biblical narrative as a formidable adversary of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by military campaigns and a notable confrontation with King Hezekiah of Judah, during which Sennacherib's actions and words are depicted as blasphemous against the God of Israel.Historical Context Assyria, under Sennacherib, was a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued to strengthen Assyria's influence through a series of military campaigns. His reign is characterized by the siege of Jerusalem, an event that is detailed in the biblical books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Biblical Account The biblical narrative of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's invasion of Judah occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah, a ruler noted for his faithfulness to the Lord and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. In 2 Kings 18:13, the text states, "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them." This aggressive move set the stage for a direct confrontation with Jerusalem. Blasphemy Against the Lord Sennacherib's blasphemy is most evident in the words of his field commander, the Rabshakeh, who delivered a message to the people of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 18:28-35, the Rabshakeh mocked the God of Israel, questioning His ability to deliver Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians. He compared the God of Israel to the gods of other nations that had fallen before Assyria, saying, "Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" (2 Kings 18:35). This act of blasphemy was not only an affront to the people of Judah but also a direct challenge to the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel. Divine Intervention In response to Sennacherib's blasphemy and the threat against Jerusalem, King Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and intervention. Hezekiah's prayer, recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19, is a heartfelt plea for deliverance, acknowledging the uniqueness of the Lord as the one true God. The prophet Isaiah delivered the Lord's response to Hezekiah, assuring him of divine protection. In 2 Kings 19:32-34, the Lord declared that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem, nor shoot an arrow there. The Lord promised to defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David. The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in 2 Kings 19:35, where it is stated, "That night 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!" . This miraculous deliverance underscored the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. Aftermath Following this divine intervention, Sennacherib withdrew to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons, as noted in 2 Kings 19:37. This event marked the end of his campaign against Judah and served as a testament to the futility of opposing the Lord. Sennacherib's blasphemy and subsequent downfall are significant in the biblical narrative as they highlight the themes of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over the nations. His account serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and the ultimate authority of the God of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 18:33-35Has any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hezekiah and Sennacherib. Deliverance from Assyria 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted' Demonstration v. --Of Wars. The Sixth vision "On Earth" Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was King Hoshea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Nineveh destroyed? | GotQuestions.org What is British Israelism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Assyria: Alliances With, Sought by Judah and Israel Assyria: An Empire Founded by Nimrod Assyria: Antiquity and Origin of Assyria: Army of, Destroyed by the Angel of the Lord Assyria: As a Power, Was: An Instrument of God's Vengeance Assyria: As a Power, Was: Cruel and Destructive Assyria: As a Power, Was: Intolerant and Oppressive Assyria: As a Power, Was: Most Formidable Assyria: As a Power, Was: Proud and Haughty Assyria: As a Power, Was: Selfish and Reserved Assyria: As a Power, Was: Unfaithful Assyria: Called: The Land of Nimrod Assyria: Celebrated For: Extensive Commerce Assyria: Celebrated For: Extent of Conquests Assyria: Celebrated For: Fertility Assyria: Chief Men of, Described Assyria: Condemned for Oppressing God's People Assyria: Idolatry of, Brought Into Samaria Assyria: Idolatry, the Religion of Assyria: Invaded by Pharaoh-Necho Assyria: Israel Condemned for Trusting To Assyria: Israelites Carried Captive Into Assyria: Israelites Subject To Assyria: It Extended from East of the Tigris Assyria: Its Armies Invade the Land of Israel Under Pul Assyria: Jews Carried Captive To Assyria: Judah Condemned for Trusting To Assyria: Manasseh Taken Captive To Assyria: Nineveh, Chief City of Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest and Captivity of Israel By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest of Syria By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest of the Kenites By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Invasion of Judah By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Participation in the Blessings of the Gospel Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of Israel From Assyria: Prophecies Concerning Assyria: Prophecies of Captivity of Israelites In Assyria: Pul King of Brought off by Menahem Assyria: Pul King of Invaded Israel Assyria: Sennacherib King of Assassinated by his Sons Assyria: Sennacherib King of Blasphemed the Lord Assyria: Sennacherib King of Bought off by Hezekiah Assyria: Sennacherib King of His Army Destroyed by God Assyria: Sennacherib King of Insulted and Threatened Judah Assyria: Sennacherib King of Invaded Judah Assyria: Sennacherib King of Prayed Against by Hezekiah Assyria: Sennacherib King of Reproved for Pride and Blasphemy Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Carried Israel Captive Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Imprisoned Hoshea Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Reduced Israel to Tribute Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Re-Peopled Samaria from Assyria Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Was Conspired Against by Hoshea Assyria: Situated Beyond the Euphrates Assyria: The Greatness, Extent, Duration, and Fall, Illustrated Assyria: The Jews Condemned for Following the Idolatries of Assyria: The Re-Peopling of Samaria From, Completed by Asnappar Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Asked to Aid Ahaz Against Syria Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Conquered Syria Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Ravaged Israel Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Took Money from Ahaz, But Strengthened Him Not Assyria: Watered by the River Tigris Related Terms Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences) Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) Tig'lath-pile'ser (3 Occurrences) Tillegath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences) |
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