This is about returning to the Lord and commands of Moses, and some payoffs.
Review at will, then we will look at 19
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+kings+18&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+kings+19&version=NIV
It is said that an angel killed 165,000 of King Sennacherib’s men in one night, and then he left and didnt come back, is there non-bible writings that describe this and if not, if you can also expand on the biblical reference
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The story you are referring to is found in the Bible in the books of 2 Kings (2 Kings 19:35), 2 Chronicles (2 Chronicles 32:21), and the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 37:36). This biblical account describes a miraculous event during the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s campaign against Jerusalem. According to the narrative, an angel of the Lord intervened and struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, leading to Sennacherib withdrawing from the siege of Jerusalem.
While this event is not directly corroborated by non-biblical sources, the Assyrian annals, which are the official records of the Assyrian kings, do confirm that Sennacherib did not conquer Jerusalem. However, the Assyrian records do not provide details about the cause of his withdrawal.
The biblical narrative, particularly in 2 Kings 19:35, states:
2 Kings 19:35 (New International Version):
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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!
The account in Isaiah 37:36 is similar, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event:
Isaiah 37:36 (New International Version):
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Then 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!
While the biblical narrative presents this event as a divine intervention, the exact nature of what transpired remains a matter of religious interpretation. Historical records outside the Bible do not provide additional details on the cause of Sennacherib’s withdrawal from Jerusalem, leaving the biblical account as the primary source for this particular event.
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Sennacherib was an ancient Assyrian king who ruled from 705 BCE to 681 BCE. He was the son of Sargon II and one of the most significant rulers of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Sennacherib is known for his military campaigns, architectural achievements, and the various historical accounts of his reign, including those found in the Bible.
Key aspects of Sennacherib’s history include:
- Military Campaigns: Sennacherib conducted several military campaigns during his reign, expanding the boundaries of the Assyrian Empire. One of his most notable campaigns was against the Kingdom of Judah, led by King Hezekiah.
- Siege of Jerusalem: Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah included the famous siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE. According to the Bible (2 Kings 18-19, Isaiah 36-37), the Assyrian king besieged Jerusalem but failed to capture it. The biblical account attributes the salvation of Jerusalem to divine intervention.
- Building Projects: Sennacherib was also known for his extensive building projects, particularly in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. He constructed the famous “Palace Without Rival” and developed the city’s infrastructure, including canals and gardens.
- Assassination: Despite his military successes, Sennacherib faced internal challenges, including opposition from some of his sons. According to historical records, he was assassinated in 681 BCE, and his son Esarhaddon succeeded him as king.
- Historical Records: Sennacherib’s reign is extensively documented in Assyrian annals and inscriptions, providing valuable historical insights into the politics, military campaigns, and administration of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
In the biblical narrative, Sennacherib is often portrayed negatively, especially in the context of the failed siege of Jerusalem. The story emphasizes divine intervention and portrays Sennacherib as an oppressor of the people of God. Despite his military prowess, the biblical account suggests that his campaign against Jerusalem ultimately failed.