So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. So Sennacherib king of AssyriaSennacherib, the Assyrian monarch, is a significant historical figure known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects. The Assyrian Empire, during his reign, was a dominant force in the ancient Near East. The name "Sennacherib" in Akkadian means "Sin has replaced the brothers," reflecting the polytheistic culture of Assyria. Historically, Sennacherib's reign is well-documented through Assyrian records and archaeological findings, such as the Taylor Prism, which corroborates biblical accounts of his campaigns. His mention here underscores the historical reality of the biblical narrative and God's sovereignty over even the mightiest earthly rulers. broke camp and withdrew
The phrase "broke camp" indicates a sudden and decisive action, suggesting a retreat. In the context of ancient warfare, breaking camp was a significant logistical operation, often signaling a change in strategy or a response to unforeseen circumstances. The Hebrew root for "withdrew" (שׁוּב, shuv) often implies repentance or turning back, which in this context highlights a forced retreat rather than a voluntary withdrawal. This retreat was not due to military defeat by human hands but was orchestrated by divine intervention, as described earlier in the chapter, where an angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army. He returned to Nineveh
Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was a city of great importance and splendor, known for its impressive walls and palaces. Archaeological excavations have revealed much about its grandeur and the advanced civilization of Assyria. The return to Nineveh signifies a retreat to safety and a return to the seat of power. Scripturally, Nineveh is also significant as the city to which Jonah was sent, highlighting God's concern for repentance even among the Gentiles. Sennacherib's return to Nineveh marks the end of his campaign against Judah, demonstrating God's protection over His people. and stayed there
The phrase "stayed there" suggests a cessation of military campaigns and a period of inactivity. Historically, this aligns with the biblical account of Sennacherib's assassination by his sons, as recorded later in 2 Kings 19:37. The Hebrew word for "stayed" (יָשַׁב, yashav) can also mean to dwell or sit, indicating a period of rest or settlement. This cessation of hostilities against Judah is a testament to God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promise to protect Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate futility of opposing God's will and the peace that comes from trusting in His sovereignty. Persons / Places / Events 1. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and attempts to conquer Jerusalem. His retreat marks a significant turning point in the account. 2. AssyriaA powerful empire during this period, known for its military strength and expansionist policies. Assyria was a dominant force in the ancient Near East. 3. NinevehThe capital city of Assyria, where Sennacherib returned after his failed campaign against Jerusalem. It was a major cultural and political center. 4. JerusalemThe city under siege by Sennacherib's forces, representing the focal point of God's deliverance in this account. 5. The Angel of the LordAlthough not mentioned in this specific verse, the preceding verses describe the Angel of the Lord striking down the Assyrian army, leading to Sennacherib's retreat. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe retreat of Sennacherib underscores God's control over the affairs of nations. Despite Assyria's power, God's will prevails. The Power of Prayer and FaithHezekiah's prayer and reliance on God demonstrate the importance of seeking divine intervention in times of crisis. The Futility of Human PrideSennacherib's defeat illustrates the downfall of pride and arrogance when confronted with God's authority. Divine Protection for God's PeopleThe deliverance of Jerusalem serves as a reminder of God's protection over His people, even against overwhelming odds. Repentance and RedemptionNineveh's later repentance in the book of Jonah shows that even the most powerful and wicked cities can turn to God and find mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the retreat of Sennacherib in 2 Kings 19:36 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly powers? 2. In what ways can Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat inspire us to handle our own challenges today? 3. How does the account of Nineveh in Jonah relate to Sennacherib's return to the city, and what does it teach us about repentance? 4. What are some modern examples of situations where human pride has been humbled, and how can we apply this lesson to our personal lives? 5. How can we, as believers, find assurance in God's protection and deliverance in our current circumstances, drawing from the events in 2 Kings 19? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter parallels the events of 2 Kings 19, providing additional prophetic insight into the defeat of Sennacherib. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Sennacherib's invasion and God's deliverance of Jerusalem, emphasizing the role of King Hezekiah's faith and prayer. Jonah 3Nineveh is also the city to which Jonah was sent to preach repentance, highlighting its significance in biblical history. People Adrammelech, Amoz, Assyrians, David, Eliakim, Esarhaddon, Haran, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Sharezer, Shebna, TirhakahPlaces Ararat, Arpad, Assyria, Cush, Egypt, Gozan, Hamath, Haran, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Libnah, Mount Zion, Nineveh, Rezeph, Sepharvaim, Telassar, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Abode, Asshur, Assyria, Broke, Camp, Departed, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Home, Journeyeth, Nineveh, Nin'eveh, Returned, Sennacherib, Sennach'erib, Stayed, Turneth, WithdrewDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 19:20-37 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 2 Kings 19:32-36 7470 temple, significance 2 Kings 19:35-36 1416 miracles, nature of 2 Kings 19:36-37 5040 murder Library 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Invasion of the Assyrians
(Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, Morning.) 2 Kings xix. 15-19. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the Lord, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons Whether Charity Requires that we Should Love Our Enemies?
Objection 1: It would seem that charity does not require us to love our enemies. For Augustine says (Enchiridion lxxiii) that "this great good," namely, the love of our enemies, is "not so universal in its application, as the object of our petition when we say: Forgive us our trespasses." Now no one is forgiven sin without he have charity, because, according to Prov. 10:12, "charity covereth all sins." Therefore charity does not require that we should love our enemies. Objection 2: Further, charity …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10. …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was Ready to Die. He Attempts to Kill Himself. He Commands Antipater to be Slain.
1. Now Herod's distemper became more and more severe to him, and this because these his disorders fell upon him in his old age, and when he was in a melancholy condition; for he was already seventy years of age, and had been brought by the calamities that happened to him about his children, whereby he had no pleasure in life, even when he was in health; the grief also that Antipater was still alive aggravated his disease, whom he resolved to put to death now not at random, but as soon as he should …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
It is strange that these delightful promises affect us coldly, or scarcely at all, so that the generality of men prefer to wander up and down, forsaking the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns, rather than embrace the divine liberality voluntarily offered to them (Jer. 2:13). "The name of the Lord," says Solomon, "is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Pr. 18:10) Joel, after predicting the fearful disaster which was at hand, subjoins the …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Letter xxviii (Circa A. D. 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons
To the Abbots Assembled at Soissons [45] Bernard urges the abbots zealously to perform the duty for which they had met. He recommends to them a great desire of spiritual progress, and begs them not to be delayed in their work if lukewarm and lax persons should perhaps murmur. To the Reverend Abbots met in the name of the Lord in Chapter at Soissons, brother Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, the servant of their Holiness, health and prayer that they may see, establish, and observe the things which are …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 19:36 NIV2 Kings 19:36 NLT2 Kings 19:36 ESV2 Kings 19:36 NASB2 Kings 19:36 KJV
2 Kings 19:36 Commentaries
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