Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The account of Sennacherib's renewed threat is primarily found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. These passages provide a detailed description of the Assyrian king's aggressive actions and the subsequent divine intervention that preserved Jerusalem.

Historical Context

Sennacherib ascended to the Assyrian throne in 705 BC, succeeding his father Sargon II. His reign was marked by extensive military campaigns aimed at consolidating Assyrian power and expanding its territories. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and brutal tactics, posed a significant threat to the smaller kingdoms of the Near East, including Judah.

The Siege of Jerusalem

In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib launched a campaign against Judah, capturing its fortified cities (2 Kings 18:13). Hezekiah, in an attempt to appease the Assyrian king, sent tribute to Sennacherib, stripping the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD and from the pillars he had overlaid (2 Kings 18:15-16). Despite this, Sennacherib's ambition was not satisfied, and he set his sights on Jerusalem.

Sennacherib sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, along with a great army to Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh stood by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool and delivered a message of intimidation to the people of Jerusalem, questioning their reliance on Egypt and their trust in the LORD (2 Kings 18:17-25). He mocked Hezekiah's faith, claiming that no god of any nation had been able to deliver their land from the hand of the Assyrian king (2 Kings 18:33-35).

Hezekiah's Response

In response to Sennacherib's threats, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that the LORD would defend the city and that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:6-7). Hezekiah also turned to prayer, spreading Sennacherib's letter before the LORD in the temple and pleading for divine intervention (2 Kings 19:14-19).

Divine Intervention

The LORD's response, delivered through Isaiah, was a message of judgment against Sennacherib. The LORD declared that He would put a spirit in Sennacherib, causing him to hear a rumor and return to his own land, where he would fall by the sword (2 Kings 19:7). That very night, the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Sennacherib's Downfall

Sennacherib's demise came as prophesied. 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 marked the end of his threat to Judah and served as a testament to the LORD's sovereignty and protection over His people.

Theological Significance

The account of Sennacherib's renewed threat highlights several key theological themes. It underscores the futility of human arrogance and the ultimate authority of God over the nations. The narrative also emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of faithfulness to God in the face of overwhelming odds. Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD, rather than political alliances or military strength, serves as a model of godly leadership and trust in divine deliverance.