The Hebrew word Çanchêrîyb, represented by H5576, is of foreign origin and identifies Sancherib, an Assyrian king; Sennacherib. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively in accounts detailing his military campaign against the kingdom of Judah.
In the biblical narrative, H5576 is central to a major conflict during the reign of King Hezekiah H2396. In the fourteenth year H8141 of Hezekiah's rule, Sennacherib H5576, king H4428 of Assyria H804, came up H5927 against the fenced H1219 cities H5892 of Judah H3063 and took H8610 them (2 Kings 18:13, Isaiah 36:1). He then sent his servants H5650 to Jerusalem H3389 while he laid siege against Lachish H3923 2 Chronicles 32:9. His campaign was marked by arrogance, as he sent words H1697 intended to reproach H2778 the living H2416 God H430 (Isaiah 37:17, 2 Kings 19:16). In response to Hezekiah's prayer, the LORD H3068 saved H3467 Jerusalem from Sennacherib's hand H3027 2 Chronicles 32:22. Ultimately, Sennacherib H5576 departed H5265, returned H7725, and dwelt H3427 at Nineveh H5210 Isaiah 37:37.
Several related words are crucial to understanding the context of Sennacherib's story:
- H2396 Chizqîyâh (Hezekiah): As the king of Judah, he is the primary human protagonist who stands in opposition to Sennacherib, placing his trust in the LORD H3068 for deliverance 2 Kings 19:20.
- H804 ʼAshshûwr (Assyria): This is the empire ruled by Sennacherib, representing the immense military and political power that threatened God's people 2 Chronicles 32:1.
- H2778 châraph (reproach, defy): This word describes Sennacherib's key transgression—not just waging war, but blaspheming and defying the living God H430 of Israel H3478 Isaiah 37:17.
- H3389 Yᵉrûwshâlaim (Jerusalem): This is the capital city of Judah and the focal point of the conflict, where God's deliverance from Sennacherib's siege is ultimately demonstrated 2 Chronicles 32:2.
The narrative surrounding H5576 carries significant theological weight.
- Divine Sovereignty: The account demonstrates that the LORD H3068 holds ultimate authority over earthly powers. Despite Sennacherib's military might, the LORD H3068 saved H3467 Hezekiah H3169 and the inhabitants of Jerusalem H3389 from his hand H3027 2 Chronicles 32:22.
- The Sin of Arrogance: Sennacherib's story is a powerful lesson against human pride. His downfall is directly linked to his decision to reproach H2778 and challenge the sovereignty of the living H2416 God H430 2 Kings 19:16.
- The Power of Prayer: The deliverance of Jerusalem is explicitly framed as God's answer to prayer. The LORD H3068 states to Isaiah, "That which thou hast prayed H6419 to me against Sennacherib H5576 king of Assyria I have heard H8085" 2 Kings 19:20.
In summary, the name Sennacherib H5576 functions in Scripture as more than a historical reference. He is the archetype of a proud, powerful ruler who presumes to defy the God of Israel. His story serves as a timeless illustration of God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His judgment upon human arrogance, and His faithfulness to deliver those who trust H982 in Him in the face of insurmountable odds.
TRV