Sennacherib In The Bible: A Historical Account
2 Kings 18:13
When Sennacherib king of Assyria came, he attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them.
2 Kings 19:35
That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!
Isaiah 36:18-20
Beware, lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?
The Hubris of Sennacherib: A Biblical Lesson
Isaiah 37:23-24
Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel! By your servants you have reproached the Lord, and you have said, “With my many chariots I have gone up to the heights of the mountains, to the remotest parts of Lebanon; I cut down its tall cedars and its choice cypresses. **Bold**I entered its farthest lodging place, its thickest forest.
– The Historical Context of Sennacherib and His Reign in the Bible
Sennacherib was the king of Assyria who reigned from 705-681 BC, during a period of great turmoil in the ancient Near East. His reign is recorded in the Bible, particularly in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, where his interactions with the people of Judah are highlighted.
1. Sennacherib’s Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib’s most well-known interaction with Judah is his invasion of the kingdom during the reign of King Hezekiah. In 2 Kings 18:13-19:37 and Isaiah 36-37, we read about how Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem and threatened its destruction. Despite the overwhelming odds, Hezekiah prayed to God for deliverance, and the Lord sent an angel to defeat the Assyrian army, saving the city.
2. Sennacherib’s Boasts and Defeat
In Isaiah 37:22-29, Sennacherib sent a letter boasting of his victories and mocking the God of Israel. However, the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, declaring that Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem or shoot an arrow there. True to the prophecy, Sennacherib’s forces were decimated, and he was eventually assassinated by his own sons while worshiping in the temple of his god (2 Kings 19:37).
3. Prophecies Against Sennacherib
The downfall of Sennacherib was foretold by the prophets Isaiah and Micah, who condemned his arrogance and cruelty. In Isaiah 10:5-19, Sennacherib is likened to the Assyrian rod of God’s anger, used to punish the people of Judah but ultimately held accountable for his wickedness. Micah 5:5-6 speaks of a future ruler from Bethlehem who will deliver God’s people from Assyrian oppression, foreshadowing the reign of Jesus Christ.
4. Sennacherib’s Legacy
Despite his defeat, Sennacherib’s reign left a lasting impact on the ancient world. He built the magnificent city of Nineveh and expanded the Assyrian Empire to its greatest extent. However, his cruelty and arrogance brought about his downfall, serving as a warning to future generations about the dangers of pride and reliance on military power.
Bible Verses:
1. 2 Kings 19:35-36
“That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.”
2. Isaiah 10:15
“Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!”
3. Micah 5:5-6
“And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men.”
4. Isaiah 37:33
“Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it.”
5. 2 Chronicles 32:21
“And the LORD sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword.”
– Sennacherib’s Conquest of Judah: A Lesson in Power and Hubris
The story of Sennacherib’s conquest of Judah serves as a powerful lesson in the dangers of power and hubris. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, was a fierce ruler who sought to expand his empire by conquering neighboring lands. In 701 BC, he set his sights on Judah, a small kingdom ruled by King Hezekiah. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Hezekiah refused to surrender to the Assyrian forces, relying instead on his faith in the Lord to protect his people.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who placed their trust in God in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. One such example is found in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, where King Hezekiah urged his people to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”
Despite Hezekiah’s faith, Sennacherib’s army laid siege to Jerusalem, seeking to force its inhabitants into submission. In 2 Chronicles 32:17, Sennacherib’s representatives mocked the people of Judah, saying, “Do you not know what I and my predecessors have done to all the peoples of the other lands? Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand?” This arrogance and hubris would ultimately be their downfall.
In response to the Assyrian threat, King Hezekiah turned to the Lord in prayer, as recounted in 2 Chronicles 32:20-22. He cried out, “Lord our God, deliver us from the hand of Sennacherib so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.” In a miraculous turn of events, the Lord sent an angel to strike down the Assyrian army, saving the people of Judah from certain destruction.
This story of Sennacherib’s conquest of Judah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Sennacherib’s overconfidence and reliance on his own strength led to his ultimate defeat, while King Hezekiah’s humility and faith in God brought about deliverance for his people.
In conclusion, the story of Sennacherib’s conquest of Judah reminds us of the importance of humility and trust in the Lord. As we face the challenges of life, may we always remember the words of Psalm 118:8-9, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Let us learn from the mistakes of Sennacherib and strive to place our trust in God alone.
– Understanding Sennacherib’s Downfall and its Implications for Modern Times
Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, was a powerful ruler who sought to conquer and oppress many nations, including Judah. In the Bible, in the book of Isaiah, we read about Sennacherib’s downfall and the defeat of his army by the hand of God. This event holds many lessons and implications for modern times, showing us how God’s power and providence can bring down even the most powerful of oppressors.
Lessons from Sennacherib’s Downfall:
– ** Divine Protection: ** In the face of overwhelming odds, King Hezekiah and the people of Judah turned to God for help. The Lord sent an angel to destroy Sennacherib’s army, showing that divine protection is available to those who trust in Him. (2 Kings 19:35)
– ** Pride Comes Before a Fall: ** Sennacherib’s downfall came as a result of his arrogance and pride. He mocked the God of Israel and boasted of his own power, but in the end, he was humbled and defeated. (Proverbs 16:18)
– ** Trust in God’s Promises: ** Despite the threats and intimidation of Sennacherib, King Hezekiah remained steadfast in his faith in God’s promises. He prayed for deliverance and trusted that God would fulfill His word. (Isaiah 37:14-20)
– ** God’s Justice Prevails: ** The destruction of Sennacherib’s army was a demonstration of God’s justice and judgment. The Lord defended His people and punished their enemies, showing that righteousness will ultimately prevail. (Psalm 9:16)
– ** Fear the Lord: ** The defeat of Sennacherib serves as a reminder to all nations and rulers to fear the Lord and acknowledge His sovereignty. Those who exalt themselves will be brought low, but those who humble themselves before the Lord will be exalted. (Proverbs 22:4)
Implications for Modern Times:
– ** Trust in God’s Sovereignty: ** Just as God delivered Judah from the Assyrian threat, He is able to protect and deliver His people in modern times. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and seeking His help in times of trouble is essential for facing the challenges of today. (Psalm 20:7)
– ** Humility and Repentance: ** The downfall of Sennacherib reminds us of the importance of humility and repentance. When nations and individuals turn from their pride and wickedness and seek God’s forgiveness, He is willing to show mercy and extend His grace. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
– ** Stand Firm in Faith: ** Like King Hezekiah, we must stand firm in our faith and trust in God’s promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Lord is faithful to His word and will never forsake those who put their trust in Him. (Hebrews 10:23)
– ** Seek God’s Justice: ** In a world filled with injustice and oppression, we can take comfort in the fact that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Those who trust in the Lord can rest assured that He will bring down the proud and lift up the humble, establishing righteousness and peace on the earth. (Isaiah 61:8)
– ** Spread the Good News: ** The defeat of Sennacherib is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s power and faithfulness. As believers, we are called to spread the good news of salvation and deliverance to all nations, proclaiming the victory of God over sin and death. (Matthew 28:19-20)
In conclusion, the story of Sennacherib’s downfall holds valuable lessons and implications for modern times. By trusting in God’s sovereignty, standing firm in faith, seeking His justice, and spreading the good news, we can navigate the challenges of today with confidence and hope in the Lord. Let us learn from the mistakes of the past and take heart in the knowledge that God is always in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him.
In conclusion, the mention of Sennacherib in the Bible offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical context of ancient Assyria and its interactions with the Kingdom of Judah. Whether viewed through a historical or religious lens, the story of Sennacherib serves as a reminder of the complexities and intricacies of ancient civilizations and their lasting impact on the present day. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the past, may we approach these ancient narratives with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the annals of history.