2 Kings 19:37

KJV

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping {H7812} in the house {H1004} of Nisroch {H5268} his god {H430}, that Adrammelech {H152} and Sharezer {H8272} his sons {H1121} smote {H5221} him with the sword {H2719}: and they escaped {H4422} into the land {H776} of Armenia {H780}. And Esarhaddon {H634} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

One day, as he was worshipping in the temple of Nisrokh his god, [his sons] Adramelekh and Shar'etzer struck him with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. So his son Esar-Hadon took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 19:37 records the dramatic and divinely orchestrated assassination of Sennacherib, the powerful Assyrian king who had defiantly challenged the Lord God of Israel and besieged Jerusalem. This pivotal verse serves as the climactic fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to protect His people and uphold His word, even in the face of overwhelming human power and blasphemy, bringing a decisive end to the Assyrian threat against Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the decisive conclusion to the narrative arc initiated by Sennacherib's invasion of Judah and his blasphemous challenge to Yahweh. Immediately preceding this, [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - Angelic Deliverance of Jerusalem") recounts the miraculous intervention of the Angel of the Lord, who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in humiliation to Nineveh. The events of [2 Kings 19:36](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36 - Sennacherib's Retreat from Jerusalem") explicitly state his return to Nineveh. Crucially, verse 37 directly fulfills the prophecy delivered by Isaiah in [2 Kings 19:7](/2_kings/19-7 "2 Kings 19:7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Sennacherib's Demise"), where God declared that Sennacherib would "hear a rumor and return to his own land, and there I will make him fall by the sword." Thus, [2 Kings 19:37](/2_kings/19-37 "2 Kings 19:37 - Sennacherib's Assassination") functions as the ultimate proof of God's prophetic accuracy and His active involvement in human history, bringing divine judgment upon those who oppose Him and providing narrative closure to the Assyrian crisis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sennacherib (reigned 705-681 BC) was one of the most formidable kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, whose campaigns are well-documented in extra-biblical sources, including his own annals which describe his siege of Jerusalem, though not its miraculous failure. The "house of Nisroch his god" refers to a temple dedicated to an Assyrian deity. While "Nisroch" is unique to this biblical passage and its parallel in Isaiah, scholars generally identify him with a known Assyrian god, likely Nusku (a god of light and fire, also associated with war and wisdom) or perhaps a variant of Assur. The act of worshipping in a temple was a common and expected practice for ancient Near Eastern monarchs. Assassination, particularly by sons vying for succession, was a grim but not uncommon reality in the political landscape of ancient empires, including Assyria. The "land of Armenia" refers to Urartu, a powerful kingdom located north of Assyria, which often served as a refuge for those fleeing internal conflicts or political rivals within the Assyrian Empire. Esarhaddon, Sennacherib's son and successor, is also a well-attested figure in Assyrian historical records, further corroborating the biblical account's historical accuracy and demonstrating the precise fulfillment of divine prophecy within the known historical timeline.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, illustrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can ultimately defy the will of God. Sennacherib's downfall is not a random event but a direct, prophesied consequence of his arrogance and blasphemy against the Lord, showcasing God's absolute control over nations and their leaders, as seen in [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down"). Secondly, the king's death while worshipping "Nisroch his god" highlights the **Futility of Idolatry** and the impotence of false deities to protect their devotees, especially in stark contrast to the living God who had just delivered Judah. This resonates with the warnings against idolatry found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Futility of Idolatry"). Thirdly, the precise fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in [2 Kings 19:7](/2_kings/19-7 "2 Kings 19:7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Sennacherib's Demise") reinforces the **Reliability and Truthfulness of God's Word**, demonstrating that His declarations are unwavering and will inevitably come to pass. Finally, Sennacherib's downfall serves as a potent illustration of the **Consequences of Pride and Defiance toward God**, a recurring motif in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term refers to the physical structure where Sennacherib was worshipping Nisroch, emphasizing the specific, confined, and ironically "sacred" space where his demise occurred. The fact that he was killed in the "house" of his god highlights the utter inability of that deity to provide protection or sanctuary, contrasting sharply with the true God who had just protected His own "house" (the temple in Jerusalem) and His people.
* **ʼĕlôhîym (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** While often used for the supreme God, here it refers to "his god," Nisroch, highlighting the pagan deity Sennacherib served. The plural form (though used for a singular god here) can also imply a generic sense of divinity. The juxtaposition of Sennacherib's death before his powerless "god" with the omnipotent God of Israel who had just demonstrated His power underscores the biblical author's polemic against idolatry and the futility of worshipping false deities.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a forceful, decisive strike, often leading to death. Its use here underscores the violent and conclusive nature of Sennacherib's assassination, directly fulfilling the prophecy that he would "fall by the sword." This verb emphasizes the active, fatal blow delivered by his sons, serving as the human instrument of divine judgment.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):: This verb denotes the act of ascending the throne and exercising royal authority. Its inclusion here provides the narrative closure regarding the Assyrian succession, confirming that despite the violent and prophesied end of Sennacherib, the Assyrian empire continued under his son, Esarhaddon. This detail grounds the divine prophecy in historical reality, showing God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of kings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god,"**: This clause sets the scene for Sennacherib's demise, emphasizing the specific, ironic context of his death: while engaged in an act of devotion to his pagan deity. This highlights the impotence of Nisroch to protect his worshipper and underscores the contrast with the God of Israel, who had just miraculously delivered Jerusalem. The location, a temple, adds a layer of sacrilege to the act of assassination within Assyrian cultural norms, yet for the biblical author, it underscores divine judgment and the futility of idolatry.
* **"that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword:"**: This details the agents and method of Sennacherib's death. His own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, are the instruments of his downfall, fulfilling the prophecy of his death by the sword. This act of parricide, likely motivated by a struggle for succession or political intrigue, serves as the human means through which God's sovereign will is executed. It is a stark reminder that God can use even the most heinous human acts to accomplish His purposes.
* **"and they escaped into the land of Armenia."**: This clause describes the immediate aftermath of the assassination, indicating that the sons fled to a region known as Urartu (biblical Armenia), a common refuge for those escaping Assyrian power. This detail provides historical verisimilitude and explains the disappearance of the assassins from the Assyrian political scene, allowing for a clear succession.
* **"And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead."**: This final clause confirms the succession, naming Esarhaddon as the new king of Assyria. This detail is historically accurate and provides closure to the narrative of Sennacherib's reign, confirming the stability of the Assyrian throne despite the violent transition, all within the framework of God's overarching plan and the fulfillment of His word.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Sennacherib's demise in [2 Kings 19:37](/2_kings/19-37 "2 Kings 19:37 - Sennacherib's Assassination") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. Perhaps the most prominent is **Irony**: Sennacherib, who had blasphemed the living God and boasted of his own power, is not defeated on the battlefield but assassinated in the "house of Nisroch his god" while worshipping. This ironic setting underscores the futility of his idolatry and the impotence of his false god to protect him, especially after the true God had just demonstrated overwhelming power against his army. The entire account serves as a powerful instance of **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as Isaiah's earlier declaration in [2 Kings 19:7](/2_kings/19-7 "2 Kings 19:7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Sennacherib's Demise") is meticulously brought to pass, reinforcing the **Reliability of God's Word**. Furthermore, Sennacherib's fall functions as **Symbolism** for the ultimate defeat of human pride and defiance when set against divine sovereignty. His violent end, at the hands of his own sons, illustrates the consequences of his hubris and the divine judgment against those who exalt themselves against the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The assassination of Sennacherib is a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not merely a concept but an active force in history, bringing low the proud and exalting the humble. The irony of Sennacherib's death in the temple of his false god powerfully exposes the futility and impotence of idolatry, contrasting it sharply with the living God who had just miraculously delivered Jerusalem. This event serves as a tangible reminder that true security and power reside not in human strength or pagan deities, but solely in the Lord, whose word is unfailing and whose purposes cannot be thwarted. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate ruler of nations, raising up and bringing down kings according to His divine will, and that His promises to His people are steadfast.

* [Isaiah 37:38](/isaiah/37-38 "Isaiah 37:38 - Parallel Account of Sennacherib's Death")
* [Psalm 115:3-8](/psalms/115-3-8 "Psalm 115:3-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Sennacherib's rise and fall, culminating in [2 Kings 19:37](/2_kings/19-37 "2 Kings 19:37 - Sennacherib's Assassination"), offers enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to place our trust not in the fleeting power of human leaders, military might, or worldly systems, but in the unshakeable sovereignty of God. Just as God brought down the seemingly invincible Assyrian king, He remains in control of all circumstances, even when global events or personal challenges seem overwhelming. This passage reminds us that defiance and pride against God ultimately lead to destruction, while humility and reliance on Him lead to deliverance and peace. It encourages us to take God's promises seriously, knowing that His word is utterly reliable and will always come to pass, providing a firm foundation for our faith in an uncertain world. We are called to recognize the futility of anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, whether it be wealth, power, or self-reliance, and instead to worship and serve the one true God who alone can save and protect, acknowledging that true security is found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or worldly resources rather than God's sovereign power?**
* **How does Sennacherib's fate challenge modern forms of pride or self-sufficiency, both individually and corporately?**
* **What specific promises of God, demonstrated by the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, give you confidence and hope today amidst current challenges?**
* **How does the futility of Nisroch's protection encourage you to examine and remove any "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place) from your own life and worship?**

### FAQ

**Who was Nisroch, and why is his temple significant in this verse?**

Answer: Nisroch was an Assyrian deity, though his precise identity is debated by scholars, possibly a variant of Nusku (a god of light and fire) or another god associated with war or agriculture. His temple, the "house of Nisroch," is profoundly significant because it is precisely where Sennacherib, who had openly blasphemed the God of Israel, met his violent end. The irony is striking: the king was assassinated while worshipping his own god, who proved utterly powerless to protect him. This highlights the stark contrast between the impotence of false gods and the omnipotence of the God of Israel, who had just miraculously delivered Jerusalem from Sennacherib's vast army, as recounted in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - Angelic Deliverance of Jerusalem"). His death in this setting serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the utter futility of idolatry.

**How does this event demonstrate God's sovereignty and the reliability of His prophecies?**

Answer: This event serves as a dramatic and undeniable demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers and nations. Earlier in the chapter, through the prophet Isaiah, God had explicitly prophesied Sennacherib's demise: "I will put a hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back by the way you came... I will make him fall by the sword in his own land" ([2 Kings 19:28](/2_kings/19-28 "2 Kings 19:28 - God's Judgment on Sennacherib") and [2 Kings 19:7](/2_kings/19-7 "2 Kings 19:7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Sennacherib's Demise")). The precise fulfillment of this prophecy, down to the detail of his death by the sword in his own land, underscores the unwavering truth and dependability of God's word. It shows that God is not merely an observer of human history but its ultimate orchestrator, capable of bringing about His purposes through human actions, even those as violent as assassination, thereby validating His prophetic declarations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Kings 19:37](/2_kings/19-37 "2 Kings 19:37 - Sennacherib's Assassination") speaks of the downfall of an earthly king, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of the true King, Jesus Christ, and the definitive judgment of all who oppose God. Sennacherib's hubris and eventual demise at the hands of his own sons, despite his immense worldly power, points to the transient nature of all human dominion in contrast to the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God's Son. Just as God delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat, Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivers His people from a far greater enemy: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness. His victory on the cross, where He disarmed the principalities and powers, was a decisive conquest far exceeding the angelic deliverance of Jerusalem (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, Christ is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Sennacherib's judgment by the sword in the house of his false god anticipates the final, glorious return of Christ, who will strike down His enemies with the sword of His mouth and establish His righteous reign forever (cf. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). The fall of this earthly tyrant serves as a powerful testament to the sovereign power of the God who sent His Son to establish an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed.

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

Ezra 4:2

Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye [do]; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.

Genesis 8:4

¶ And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

2 Kings 19:7

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

Jeremiah 51:27

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

2 Chronicles 32:14

Who [was there] among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?

2 Kings 18:5

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before him.

Isaiah 37:37

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.