King of Assyria 705–681 BCE. He assumed the throne of the vast Assyrian Empire following the death of his father, Sargon II. Details of his military undertakings are referenced in (2Kgs 18:13-19:37). King Hezekiah of Judah spearheaded an anti-Assyrian coalition of Phoenician, Philistine, and south Syrian states, but the coastal cities succumbed quickly and the full brunt of reprisal was soon directed against Judah. The counsel of the prophet Isaiah not to surrender strengthened Hezekiah’s determination to hold out (2Kgs 19:5-7). But “when all the fortified cities of Judah” had fallen to Sennacherib, Hezekiah capitulated (2Kgs 18:14-16). The siege of Jerusalem was lifted and the city spared destruction. (2Kgs 19:35-36) attributes this to divine intervention.
2Kgs 18:13-19:37
Sennacherib Invades Judah
13In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, King Sennacherib of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and captured ... View more
2Kgs 19:5-7
5When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah,6Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that yo ... View more
2Kgs 18:14-16
14King Hezekiah of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.” The king ... View more
2Kgs 19:35-36
Sennacherib's Defeat and Death
35That very night the angel of the Lord set out and struck down one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians; wh ... View more
