Historical Context:
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, reigned from 705 to 681 BC. He is most famously known for his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. The biblical account of Sennacherib's death is a significant event that underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His protection of His people.

Biblical Account:
The death of Sennacherib is recorded in the Bible in 2 Kings 19:36-37, Isaiah 37:37-38, and 2 Chronicles 32:21. These passages describe the aftermath of Sennacherib's failed siege of Jerusalem. After God miraculously delivered Jerusalem by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35), Sennacherib withdrew to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

2 Kings 19:36-37 states: "So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. 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."

Theological Significance:
The death of Sennacherib is a powerful testament to the divine protection over Jerusalem and the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite the overwhelming threat posed by the Assyrian army, God intervened in a miraculous way, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. The event serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds.

The assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons further illustrates the theme of divine justice. Sennacherib, who had defied the God of Israel and mocked His power, met his end in a manner that underscores the futility of opposing God's will. The fact that his death occurred in the temple of his god Nisroch highlights the impotence of false gods in the face of the true God of Israel.

Historical Corroboration:
The biblical account of Sennacherib's death is corroborated by ancient Near Eastern sources, including the Babylonian Chronicles and Assyrian records. These sources confirm that Sennacherib was indeed assassinated by his sons, lending historical credibility to the biblical narrative.

Legacy:
Sennacherib's death marked a turning point in Assyrian history. His successor, Esarhaddon, faced internal strife and challenges to his rule, which eventually contributed to the decline of the Assyrian Empire. For the people of Judah, the miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib's siege became a defining moment of faith and divine intervention, celebrated in the Psalms and prophetic literature.

The account of Sennacherib's death continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection for believers, emphasizing the themes of divine justice, protection, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes over human arrogance and power.