Historical Context:
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, reigned from 705 to 681 BC. His military campaigns were marked by aggressive expansion and the subjugation of various nations, including the Kingdom of Judah. The biblical account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. This event is a significant moment in the history of Israel, showcasing God's deliverance of His people from a seemingly insurmountable threat.

The Invasion:
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib launched an invasion against Judah, capturing fortified cities (2 Kings 18:13). The Assyrian king 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, promising them peace and prosperity under Assyrian rule (2 Kings 18:19-25).

Hezekiah's Response:
King Hezekiah, a devout follower of Yahweh, sought divine guidance in the face of this threat. He sent messengers to the prophet Isaiah, seeking his counsel and prayer (2 Kings 19:1-5). Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would deliver Judah and that Sennacherib would return to his land, where he would fall by the sword (2 Kings 19:6-7).

Divine Intervention:
As Sennacherib's forces prepared to besiege Jerusalem, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, acknowledging God's sovereignty and pleading for deliverance (2 Kings 19:15-19). In response, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance is a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Sennacherib's Downfall:
True to Isaiah's prophecy, Sennacherib met his demise in Nineveh. While worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer (2 Kings 19:37). This event fulfilled the word of the Lord spoken through Isaiah, demonstrating the futility of opposing God's will.

Theological Significance:
Sennacherib's invasion and the subsequent deliverance of Jerusalem highlight several key theological themes. First, it underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to protect His people against overwhelming odds. Second, it illustrates the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis. Finally, it serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ultimate control over history.

Biblical References:
· 2 Kings 18-19
· 2 Chronicles 32
· Isaiah 36-37

Key Verses:
· 2 Kings 19:19 : "And now, 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."
· 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!"