Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is a significant event recorded in the Bible, primarily in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. This historical episode highlights the Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, around 701 BC.

Historical Context

Sennacherib was the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BC, succeeding his father Sargon II. The Assyrian Empire was at the height of its power, exerting control over much of the Near East. Sennacherib's military campaigns were part of his efforts to consolidate and expand Assyrian dominance. The Kingdom of Judah, under King Hezekiah, found itself in the path of Assyrian expansion.

Biblical Account

The biblical narrative of Sennacherib's invasion is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. According to these accounts, Hezekiah initially rebelled against Assyrian rule by refusing to pay tribute. In response, Sennacherib launched a campaign against Judah, capturing several fortified cities.

2 Kings 18:13 states, "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them." The Assyrian king then sent his officials, including the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender. The Rabshakeh delivered a message of intimidation, questioning Hezekiah's reliance on God and urging the people to surrender to Assyria.

Hezekiah, faced with the threat of destruction, sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would defend Jerusalem. 2 Kings 19:6-7 records Isaiah's message: "Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword."

Divine Intervention

The biblical account emphasizes divine intervention as the turning point in the conflict. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp. 2 Kings 19:35 describes this miraculous event: "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!"

Following this devastating loss, Sennacherib withdrew to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons, as prophesied by Isaiah. This event is seen as a testament to God's protection of Jerusalem and His power over the nations.

Archaeological Corroboration

The historical account of Sennacherib's invasion is corroborated by archaeological findings, including the Taylor Prism, an Assyrian artifact that records Sennacherib's campaigns. The prism mentions the siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiah's tribute but notably omits the capture of the city, aligning with the biblical narrative of divine deliverance.

Theological Significance

Sennacherib's invasion serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. It underscores the importance of trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The event is a reminder of the futility of human pride and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations.