Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly noted for his pride and blasphemy against the God of Israel. His reign, which spanned from 705 to 681 BC, is marked by significant military campaigns and a notable confrontation with the Kingdom of Judah.

Historical Context

Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire. His military campaigns were extensive, and he is perhaps best known for his siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian king's aggressive tactics and his empire's might were feared throughout the ancient Near East.

Biblical Account

The biblical narrative of Sennacherib's confrontation with Judah is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is depicted as a direct challenge to the sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

In 2 Kings 18:13-14 , it is recorded: "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish: 'I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me.' The king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold."

Despite Hezekiah's initial attempt to appease Sennacherib with tribute, the Assyrian king's ambitions were not satisfied. Sennacherib sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem with a message of intimidation and blasphemy, mocking Hezekiah's trust in the Lord. In 2 Kings 18:29-30 , the Rabshakeh declares: "This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my hand. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’"

Divine Reproof and Deliverance

Sennacherib's pride and blasphemy reached their zenith as he challenged the power of Yahweh, equating the God of Israel with the gods of other nations he had conquered. In response, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prayed earnestly for divine intervention.

The Lord's response, delivered through Isaiah, is recorded in 2 Kings 19:32-34 : "Therefore this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here or 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 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 in disgrace. This miraculous deliverance is a testament to the power and faithfulness of God in defending His people against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Sennacherib's Demise

Sennacherib's end is recorded in 2 Kings 19:36-37 : "So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. 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."

The biblical account of Sennacherib serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and blasphemy against the Almighty. His account is a vivid illustration of the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).2 Kings 19:12-34
Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 37:21-29
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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