Topical Encyclopedia Sennacherib, the powerful king of Assyria, reigned from 705 to 681 BC and is prominently featured in the biblical narrative for his military campaign against the Kingdom of Judah. His invasion is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is a testament to the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East and serves as a backdrop for a profound demonstration of divine intervention.Historical Context Assyria, under Sennacherib, was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued to strengthen Assyria's influence over the region. His reign is marked by numerous military campaigns, including those against Babylon and the Levantine states. The Assyrian empire, with its capital at Nineveh, was a formidable force, and Sennacherib's campaign against Judah was part of his broader strategy to secure Assyrian dominance. Biblical Account The biblical account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them (2 Kings 18:13). Hezekiah, the king of Judah, initially sought to appease Sennacherib by paying tribute, stripping the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD and from the pillars (2 Kings 18:15-16). Despite this, Sennacherib sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem with a large army. The Rabshakeh delivered a message of intimidation, questioning Hezekiah's reliance on Egypt and his trust in the LORD for deliverance (2 Kings 18:19-25). The Assyrian envoy spoke in Hebrew to ensure that the people of Jerusalem understood the threat, attempting to undermine their confidence in Hezekiah and their faith in God. Divine Intervention In response to the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to the LORD in prayer. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem, and the LORD would defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:32-34). The biblical narrative culminates in a miraculous deliverance. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This divine intervention is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people against overwhelming odds. Aftermath and Legacy Sennacherib's retreat marked a significant moment in Judah's history, reinforcing the faith of the Israelites in God's protection. The Assyrian king's eventual assassination by his own sons (2 Kings 19:37) further underscores the biblical theme of divine justice. The invasion of Judah by Sennacherib is not only a historical event but also a profound narrative illustrating the power of faith and the providence of God. It serves as a reminder of the LORD's supremacy over earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 18:13Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hezekiah and Sennacherib. The History Books Nineveh. The Assyrian Captivity Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Palestine under Pagan Kings. Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Canaan The Israelites Resources What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | 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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