### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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