of foreign origin; Sancherib, an Assyrian king; Sennacherib.
Transliteration:Çanchêrîyb
Pronunciation:san-khay-reeb'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma סַנְחֵרִיב (Çanchêrîyb), Strong's H5576, is a proper noun of foreign (Assyrian) origin. It refers exclusively to Sennacherib, a king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire who reigned from 705 to 681 BCE. As a proper noun, it does not possess a semantic range in the typical sense of a common noun or verb; its meaning is fixed to this specific historical individual. The name itself is believed to mean "Sin (the moon god) has replaced (or multiplied) brothers," reflecting the common practice of naming children after deities in ancient Near Eastern cultures. In the biblical text, the significance of the name lies entirely in the identity and actions of the king it denotes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Sennacherib's presence in the biblical narrative is primarily concentrated in the historical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, and the prophetic book of Isaiah, where his invasion of Judah in the late 8th century BCE is meticulously recounted.
* **2 Kings 18-19:** This passage provides the most detailed account of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. It describes his conquest of fortified cities in Judah, his demand for tribute, and his subsequent siege of Jerusalem. Crucially, it records the blasphemous taunts of his field commander, the Rabshakeh, against YHWH, and Hezekiah's fervent prayer for deliverance. The narrative culminates in the miraculous destruction of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers by the angel of YHWH, leading to Sennacherib's retreat and eventual assassination in Nineveh.
* **Isaiah 36-37:** This section of Isaiah presents a parallel account to 2 Kings 18-19, often considered a primary source for the historical narrative. Isaiah's prophecies directly address Sennacherib's arrogance and foretell his divinely orchestrated downfall, emphasizing God's control over even powerful foreign rulers.
* **2 Chronicles 32:** This chapter offers a more concise summary of Sennacherib's invasion and the divine deliverance of Jerusalem, focusing on Hezekiah's preparations, his encouragement of the people, and the ultimate vindication of God's power.
Across these occurrences, Sennacherib is consistently portrayed as a formidable, arrogant, and blasphemous adversary, whose military might is ultimately rendered impotent before the sovereignty of YHWH. His campaign serves as a critical test of Hezekiah's faith and a powerful demonstration of God's protective hand over Jerusalem.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding Sennacherib's role in the biblical narrative is enhanced by considering related words and concepts:
* **Assyria/Assyrians (`{{H0804}}` ʼAshshur):** Sennacherib was the king of Assyria, the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East during his time. The Assyrians are frequently depicted as God's instrument of judgment against disobedient Israel and Judah, yet also as a nation subject to divine judgment for their own pride and cruelty ([[Isaiah 10:5-15]]).
* **Hezekiah (`{{H2396}}` Yekhizqiyahu):** The king of Judah contemporary with Sennacherib, whose unwavering trust in YHWH in the face of overwhelming odds is a central theme of the narrative. His prayer and actions are pivotal to Jerusalem's deliverance.
* **Jerusalem (`{{H3389}}` Yerushalaim):** The capital city of Judah, which Sennacherib besieged but failed to conquer. Its miraculous preservation underscores God's commitment to His chosen city and covenant.
* **Prophet Isaiah (`{{H3470}}` Yeshayahu`):** God's messenger who delivers prophecies concerning Sennacherib's invasion and defeat, providing divine assurance and interpreting the events from a theological perspective.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The overarching theological concept that God is in ultimate control of all nations and historical events, using even wicked rulers to accomplish His purposes, yet holding them accountable for their actions.
* **Trust in YHWH:** A foundational theme highlighted by Hezekiah's response to Sennacherib's threats, contrasting with reliance on human alliances or military strength.
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of Sennacherib carries profound theological significance:
* **God's Absolute Sovereignty over Nations:** Sennacherib, despite his immense power and boastful claims, is presented as nothing more than a tool in God's hand. As Isaiah prophesies, God uses him to discipline His people, but then breaks the "rod" when its purpose is fulfilled ([[Isaiah 10:5-15]]). This narrative powerfully asserts that no earthly power, however formidable, can ultimately thwart the divine will.
* **Divine Protection of His Covenant People and City:** The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's siege is a dramatic demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises and His unwavering commitment to protect His chosen city and people. It serves as a testament to God's power to save against overwhelming odds, reinforcing the theological truth that YHWH is the ultimate defender of His own ([[2 Kings 19:35-36]]).
* **The Power of Prayer and Faith:** Hezekiah's fervent prayer and his trust in YHWH, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable defeat, are central to the narrative. The deliverance of Jerusalem directly follows Hezekiah's appeal to God, highlighting the efficacy of humble and believing prayer.
* **Rebuke of Human Arrogance and Blasphemy:** Sennacherib's pride and the Rabshakeh's blasphemous taunts against YHWH are met with divine judgment. This serves as a stark warning against human hubris and the folly of defying the living God. His ignominious retreat and assassination underscore the principle that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" ([[Proverbs 16:18]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma סַנְחֵרִיב (Çanchêrîyb), H5576, refers exclusively to Sennacherib, the powerful Assyrian king whose invasion of Judah is a pivotal event in biblical history. His story, detailed in 2 Kings, Isaiah, and 2 Chronicles, serves as a profound theological narrative. It vividly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating His ability to use even the most formidable human adversaries as instruments of His will, while simultaneously holding them accountable for their pride and blasphemy. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's siege underscores God's unwavering protection of His covenant people and city, affirming the power of prayer and the vindication of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. Sennacherib's ultimate downfall stands as a timeless testament to the futility of human arrogance against the omnipotent God.
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