Topical Encyclopedia The assassination of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, is a significant event recorded in the Bible, illustrating the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the ultimate justice of God. Sennacherib, known for his military campaigns and his siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, met his demise at the hands of his own sons, an event that underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and rulers.Biblical Account The account of Sennacherib's assassination is found in the Book of 2 Kings and the Book of Isaiah. After Sennacherib's failed attempt to capture Jerusalem, which was thwarted by divine intervention, he returned to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The Bible records this event as follows: "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." (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38) This assassination took place after the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw from his campaign against Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35-36). The death of Sennacherib at the hands of his sons fulfilled the prophecy given by the prophet Isaiah, who had foretold that Sennacherib would fall by the sword in his own land (Isaiah 37:7). Historical and Theological Context Sennacherib's reign (705–681 BC) was marked by his aggressive expansion of the Assyrian Empire and his attempts to subjugate the kingdoms of the Near East, including Judah. His siege of Jerusalem is one of the most notable events of his reign, as it brought him into direct conflict with the God of Israel. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem, as recorded in the Bible, demonstrated God's protection over His people and His power over earthly rulers. The assassination of Sennacherib by his sons is not only a historical event but also a theological statement. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that pride and defiance against God lead to downfall. Sennacherib's arrogance and blasphemy against the God of Israel (2 Kings 19:22-23) ultimately resulted in his demise, fulfilling the divine word spoken through Isaiah. Implications for Believers For believers, the assassination of Sennacherib is a testament to God's justice and the certainty of His prophetic word. It reassures the faithful that no matter how powerful or oppressive a ruler may seem, God is in control and will execute His judgment in His perfect timing. This event encourages trust in God's promises and His ability to protect and vindicate His people against their adversaries. The account of Sennacherib's assassination also serves as a warning against idolatry and the worship of false gods, as seen in Sennacherib's devotion to Nisroch. It highlights the futility of relying on anything other than the one true God, who alone holds the power over life and death. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:37And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 37:38 Library 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted' Isaiah The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Iranian Conquest The Sixth vision "On Earth" Resources What does the Bible say about sedition? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Assassination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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