2 Kings 18:13

KJV

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now in the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Hezekiah {H2396} did Sennacherib {H5576} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} come up {H5927} against all the fenced {H1219} cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and took {H8610} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the fourteenth year of King Hizkiyahu, Sancheriv king of Ashur advanced against all the fortified cities of Y'hudah and captured them.

Berean Standard Bible

In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.

American Standard Version

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 18:13 records the devastating commencement of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign. Under the formidable leadership of King Sennacherib, the Assyrian forces launched a comprehensive campaign, successfully conquering "all the fenced cities" of Judah. This verse marks a critical turning point, setting the stage for a severe test of Judah's faith and Hezekiah's reliance on God, following a period of significant religious reform.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a description of King Hezekiah's righteous reign, highlighting his unwavering trust in the Lord, his removal of high places, and his breaking of the bronze serpent Nehushtan ([2 Kings 18:1-8](/2_kings/18-1 "2 Kings 18:1 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")). The narrative then briefly mentions Hezekiah's rebellion against the king of Assyria and his successful attacks against the Philistines ([2 Kings 18:7-8](/2_kings/18-7 "2 Kings 18:7 - Hezekiah Rebels Against Assyria")). Verse 13 dramatically shifts the focus, introducing the overwhelming Assyrian response to Hezekiah's defiance. It also stands in stark contrast to the preceding chapter, which details the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria due to their idolatry ([2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel")). This immediate juxtaposition underscores the precariousness of Judah's position and raises the question of whether they, despite Hezekiah's reforms, would suffer a similar fate. The invasion described here sets the stage for the climactic narrative of divine deliverance in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - God Delivers Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire, particularly during the Neo-Assyrian period (9th-7th centuries BC), was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its ruthless military efficiency and advanced siege warfare. Sennacherib (reigned 705-681 BC) was one of its most powerful kings. The invasion described in [2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion") occurred in 701 BC, a date well-corroborated by Assyrian annals, most notably Sennacherib's own "Taylor Prism," which details his campaign against Judah and lists the cities he captured. Judah, though a small kingdom, was strategically located and had previously been a vassal state to Assyria, paying tribute. Hezekiah's rebellion, likely encouraged by Egypt, provoked this massive punitive expedition. "Fenced cities" (Hebrew: _'arei mibtsar_) refers to fortified, walled cities, which were the primary defensive strongholds in ancient warfare. The fact that Sennacherib "took them" signifies the overwhelming superiority of the Assyrian military machine, capable of overcoming even the most formidable human defenses.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - The History of the Kings of Israel and Judah") and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the **overwhelming threat** posed by a seemingly invincible earthly power, serving as a stark reminder of human vulnerability in the face of such might. Secondly, it underscores the **limitations of human strength and fortifications**; even Judah's "fenced cities," built for defense, proved insufficient against the Assyrian war machine. This sets up a profound **contrast between human might and divine power**, foreshadowing the miraculous intervention of God later in the narrative. Thirdly, the invasion functions as a **divine testing and judgment**. While Hezekiah was a righteous king, Judah had a long history of idolatry, and this crisis served to refine their faith and demonstrate God's ultimate sovereignty over nations, even those as powerful as Assyria. Finally, this verse serves as a **prelude to deliverance**, establishing the dire circumstances from which God's miraculous salvation of Jerusalem will shine even brighter, a theme central to the narrative in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fourteenth year (Hebrew, _arba' 'esre shanah'_):** This precise chronological marker grounds the event in historical reality and connects it directly to the reign of King Hezekiah. It signifies that the invasion occurred well into Hezekiah's rule, after his initial reforms and his decision to rebel against Assyria, making it a direct consequence of his geopolitical choices. The specificity of the date also allows for correlation with extra-biblical historical records, enhancing the biblical narrative's credibility.
* **Sennacherib (Hebrew, _Sanḥeriv'_):** This refers to the formidable king of Assyria (reigned 705-681 BC), known for his military prowess and extensive building projects. His name evokes terror and represents the peak of Assyrian power. The mention of his name immediately signals a threat of unparalleled magnitude, as Assyria had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and was the dominant force in the ancient Near East.
* **fenced cities (Hebrew, _'arei mibtsar'_):: This phrase literally means "cities of fortress" or "fortified cities." It denotes urban centers equipped with substantial walls, towers, and defensive structures designed to withstand sieges. The fact that Sennacherib came up against "all" these cities, and crucially, "took them," emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating nature of the Assyrian campaign. It highlights that no human defense, no matter how strong, could withstand the might of this empire, setting the stage for a divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah":** This opening clause establishes the precise historical setting for the events to follow. It situates the invasion within the specific timeline of Hezekiah's reign, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but a significant event occurring at a particular juncture in Judah's history, likely in response to Hezekiah's earlier rebellion against Assyria.
* **"did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah":** This clause identifies the aggressor (Sennacherib, king of Assyria), the target (Judah), and the scope of the invasion. "Come up against" signifies a military campaign, an act of war. The phrase "all the fenced cities" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the attack, suggesting a systematic conquest of Judah's fortified strongholds, leaving virtually no place of human refuge untouched.
* **"and took them":** This concise and chilling statement reveals the immediate and devastating success of the Assyrian campaign. It indicates that these fortified cities, despite their defenses, fell to Sennacherib's forces. This outcome underscores the overwhelming military superiority of Assyria and the dire predicament Judah found itself in, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of Jerusalem's desperate situation and miraculous deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the overwhelming success of Sennacherib's initial campaign against "all the fenced cities" sets a dire precedent, creating a sense of impending doom for Jerusalem itself. This extreme vulnerability foreshadows the necessity of divine intervention, making God's eventual deliverance all the more dramatic and miraculous. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play. The seemingly insurmountable human might of the Assyrian Empire, capable of conquering all fortified cities, is implicitly contrasted with the ultimate power of God, who will later demonstrate His sovereignty over this very empire. This highlights the theme that human strength, no matter how formidable, is ultimately limited, paving the way for a demonstration of divine omnipotence. The phrase "all the fenced cities" might also contain a degree of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast scope and thoroughness of the Assyrian conquest, even if not every single fortified city was literally captured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though a historical account of military conquest, is replete with profound theological implications. It serves as a stark reminder that even a righteous king like Hezekiah, who faithfully sought the Lord and initiated sweeping reforms, was not immune to severe trials and external threats. The invasion highlights God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly empires are ultimately instruments in His hand, whether for judgment or for the testing and refinement of His people. The fall of Judah's "fenced cities" underscores the theological truth that human strength, strategic planning, and material defenses are ultimately insufficient when faced with overwhelming spiritual or physical adversaries. It pushes the narrative towards a point where only divine intervention can provide salvation, thereby magnifying God's power and faithfulness. This event, therefore, becomes a crucible for faith, forcing Judah to look beyond its own capabilities and trust in the Lord alone for deliverance.

* [Isaiah 36:1](/isaiah/36-1 "Isaiah 36:1 - Parallel Account of Sennacherib's Invasion")
* [2 Chronicles 32:1](/2_chronicles/32-1 "2 Chronicles 32:1 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Sennacherib's invasion and the fall of Judah's "fenced cities" offers timeless lessons for believers today. We often build our own "fenced cities"—our financial security, career stability, relationships, health, or even our meticulously planned spiritual disciplines—as bulwarks against life's uncertainties. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even our most robust human defenses can prove insufficient when faced with overwhelming challenges, whether they be personal crises, societal upheavals, or spiritual attacks. It compels us to confront the limits of our own strength and resources. Just as Judah was stripped of its earthly security, we too may find ourselves in situations where our usual coping mechanisms fail, forcing us to recognize our utter dependence on God. This vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an invitation to deeper faith, prompting us to turn from self-reliance to divine reliance, knowing that true security is found not in what we build, but in the One who is our ultimate refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fenced cities" do we tend to rely on in our lives (e.g., finances, reputation, control) that might ultimately prove insufficient in times of crisis?**
* **How does the fall of Judah's fortified cities challenge our understanding of human strength versus divine power in our own struggles?**
* **In what ways does facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, like Judah did, test our faith and drive us to seek God more earnestly?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when our personal "fenced cities" are breached or threatened?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "fourteenth year" of King Hezekiah significant for this invasion?**

Answer: The mention of the "fourteenth year" is significant because it provides a precise chronological marker for the Assyrian invasion, dating it to 701 BC. This timing places the invasion well into Hezekiah's reign, after his significant religious reforms (as described in [2 Kings 18:3-6](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3 - Hezekiah's Righteousness")) and his decision to rebel against Assyrian vassalage ([2 Kings 18:7](/2_kings/18-7 "2 Kings 18:7 - Hezekiah Rebels Against Assyria")). It indicates that the invasion was not a random event but a direct consequence of Judah's geopolitical actions and a severe test of the faith Hezekiah had championed. This specific dating also allows for strong corroboration with extra-biblical historical records, such as Sennacherib's own annals, which detail his campaign against Judah in that very year.

**Is there extra-biblical evidence that corroborates Sennacherib's invasion of Judah?**

Answer: Yes, there is significant extra-biblical evidence that corroborates Sennacherib's invasion of Judah as described in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Sennacherib's Invasion"). The most prominent source is Sennacherib's own royal annals, inscribed on cuneiform prisms (like the Taylor Prism and the Oriental Institute Prism). These annals detail his third campaign, which includes a comprehensive account of his invasion of Judah in 701 BC. Sennacherib boasts of capturing 46 of Hezekiah's "strong, walled cities, as well as the small towns in their vicinity," and besieging Jerusalem, though he does not claim to have captured it. His account also mentions the massive tribute Hezekiah paid, which aligns with [2 Kings 18:14-16](/2_kings/18-14 "2 Kings 18:14 - Hezekiah Pays Tribute to Sennacherib"). This independent historical record provides powerful external validation for the biblical narrative, underscoring its historical accuracy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Sennacherib's overwhelming invasion of Judah and the fall of its "fenced cities" in [2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the far greater invasion of sin and death into humanity's domain, and the subsequent, far more glorious, divine deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as Judah's fortified cities proved utterly insufficient against the Assyrian war machine, so too are all human efforts, wisdom, and strength utterly incapable of overcoming the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Humanity, in its fallen state, built its own "fenced cities" of self-righteousness, legalism, or philosophical systems, all of which ultimately fell before the overwhelming power of spiritual bondage and eternal judgment. However, the seemingly dire situation in Judah foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God. In Christ, we see the true King who "came up against" the ultimate enemy, not with human armies, but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Where human defenses failed, Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice secured ultimate victory, delivering us from the power of death and the one who holds that power ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). He is our true and impregnable fortress, the one in whom we find security far beyond any earthly "fenced city," for He has swallowed up death in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 36:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, [that] Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Isaiah 36:22

Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Hosea 12:1

¶ Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Hosea 12:2

The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

Isaiah 7:17

¶ The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; [even] the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 7:25

And [on] all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.