Sennacherib, the powerful king of Assyria, reigned from 705 to 681 BC and is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative due to his military campaigns against the Kingdom of Judah. His interactions with King Hezekiah of Judah are particularly noteworthy, as they highlight the political and spiritual dynamics of the time.

Historical Context

Assyria, under Sennacherib, was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Sennacherib succeeded his father, Sargon II, and continued to strengthen Assyria's influence over the Near East. His reign is marked by significant military campaigns, including those against Babylon and the Levant.

Sennacherib's Campaign Against Judah

The biblical account of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37. In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib invaded Judah and captured its fortified cities. The Assyrian king's campaign was part of a broader strategy to subdue rebellious vassal states and secure Assyrian dominance in the region.

Hezekiah's Response

Faced with the formidable Assyrian threat, Hezekiah initially sought to appease Sennacherib by paying a substantial tribute. According to 2 Kings 18:14-16 , Hezekiah sent a message to Sennacherib at Lachish, saying, "I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me." Consequently, Hezekiah gave Sennacherib all the silver found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. He even stripped the gold from the doors of the temple to meet the Assyrian demands.

Theological Implications

Hezekiah's decision to pay tribute to Sennacherib reflects the intense pressure faced by Judah and the king's initial reliance on political and material means to secure peace. However, this act of appeasement did not ultimately deter Sennacherib, who later sent his officials to Jerusalem with a message of intimidation and blasphemy against the God of Israel (2 Kings 18:17-35).

Divine Intervention

The narrative takes a dramatic turn as Hezekiah, realizing the futility of relying solely on human means, turns to God for deliverance. Hezekiah's prayer and the prophet Isaiah's assurance of divine intervention are pivotal moments in the account. Isaiah prophesies that Sennacherib will not enter Jerusalem, and the LORD will defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:32-34).

In a miraculous event, the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This divine deliverance underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

Conclusion

The account of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and Hezekiah's response serves as a powerful testament to the challenges faced by the people of God and the ultimate supremacy of divine intervention over human schemes. The narrative highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.2 Kings 18:14-16
And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which you put on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed to Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Canaan
... It had severed the Semites of Assyria and Babylonia ... which the troops of the Israelitish
king burnt and ... according to the inscriptions of Sennacherib, formed the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... shown them the utmost consideration, and when King Madyes, son ... Since the day when
Sennacherib had been compelled to return to Assyria without having ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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