Topical Encyclopedia
Historical Context:The deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians is a pivotal event recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. This event took place during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, around the late 8th century BC. The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was a dominant military power, having already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many other nations.
Biblical Account:The narrative of Jerusalem's deliverance is detailed in
2 Kings 18-19,
2 Chronicles 32, and
Isaiah 36-37. King Hezekiah, noted for his faithfulness to God, faced a dire threat when Sennacherib's forces besieged Jerusalem. The Assyrian king sent his officials to demand the city's surrender, mocking Hezekiah's trust in the LORD and boasting of Assyria's previous conquests.
In
2 Kings 19:14-19 , Hezekiah's response is one of profound faith. He takes the Assyrian message to the temple and spreads it before the LORD, praying earnestly for deliverance: "O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God."
Divine Intervention:The prophet Isaiah, a contemporary of Hezekiah, plays a crucial role in this narrative. He delivers God's message of assurance to Hezekiah, promising that the Assyrian king will not enter the city or shoot an arrow there (
2 Kings 19:32-34). The LORD declares, "I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David."
In a miraculous turn of events, the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, as recorded in
2 Kings 19:35 : "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 divine intervention forces Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh, where he is later assassinated by his own sons.
Theological Significance:The deliverance of Jerusalem is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It underscores the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God amidst overwhelming odds. Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD, rather than political alliances or military might, serves as a model of faith for believers. This event also highlights God's protection of Jerusalem, the city chosen for His name, and His commitment to the Davidic covenant.
Prophetic Implications:The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem foreshadows God's ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ, the descendant of David. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to save His people and His control over the nations. The event is a precursor to the eschatological hope found in the prophetic literature, where Jerusalem is often depicted as the center of God's redemptive plan for the world.
Cultural and Historical Impact:The account of Jerusalem's deliverance has been a source of inspiration and hope throughout Jewish and Christian history. It has been celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and music, symbolizing God's enduring protection and faithfulness to His covenant people.