Topical Bible: Reviling and Reproaching: Sennacherib

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Introduction

The narrative of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, is a significant account in the Bible that highlights themes of reviling and reproaching against the God of Israel. Sennacherib's interactions with the Kingdom of Judah, particularly during the reign of King Hezekiah, serve as a poignant example of blasphemy and defiance against divine authority. This entry explores the biblical account of Sennacherib's actions and the theological implications of his reviling and reproaching.

Historical Context

Sennacherib was the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC. His reign is marked by military campaigns and the expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The biblical account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. These passages describe his siege of Jerusalem and his confrontations with King Hezekiah.

Reviling and Reproaching

Sennacherib's reviling and reproaching are most evident in his communications with Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. The Assyrian king sent his officials, including the Rabshakeh, to deliver messages of intimidation and blasphemy. The Rabshakeh's speech, recorded in 2 Kings 18:19-35 and Isaiah 36:4-20, is filled with contempt for the God of Israel and confidence in Assyrian might.

In 2 Kings 18:28-30 , the Rabshakeh declares, "Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you from my hand. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD by saying, 'The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.'"

The Rabshakeh's words are a direct challenge to the faith of the Israelites, mocking their reliance on God and equating Him with the powerless gods of other nations. This act of reviling is not merely against Hezekiah but is an affront to the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel.

Hezekiah's Response

In response to Sennacherib's blasphemous threats, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to prayer. Hezekiah's prayer, recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19 , acknowledges God's supremacy: "O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God."

Hezekiah's response is characterized by humility and faith, contrasting sharply with Sennacherib's arrogance. Hezekiah's appeal to God underscores the belief in divine justice and the ultimate vindication of God's name.

Divine Intervention

The biblical account culminates in a dramatic demonstration of God's power. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the LORD, assuring deliverance for Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 19:32-34 , the LORD declares, "He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not 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 night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, leading to Sennacherib's retreat and eventual assassination (2 Kings 19:35-37). This miraculous deliverance serves as a testament to God's ability to protect His people and uphold His honor against those who revile and reproach Him.

Theological Implications

The account of Sennacherib's reviling and reproaching highlights the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of blasphemy and the assurance of divine justice. The narrative underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God, as exemplified by Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 37:17,23,24
Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which has sent to reproach the living God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook