The age-old question of why evil exists in a world governed by an omnipotent and benevolent God has perplexed theologians, philosophers, and thinkers for centuries. Central to this debate is “free will,” a gift bestowed upon humanity that allows individuals to make choices independent of divine intervention. The interplay between free will, divine omniscience, and the presence of evil forms a complex tapestry that challenges our understanding of morality, justice, and the nature of existence. The presence of evil in the world raises important questions about the nature of God. If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does He permit suffering and injustice? Could the existence of evil serve a greater purpose in the divine plan?
In our biblical narrative, we will examine the story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. Here, we will find God’s intervention in the face of overwhelming evil. When the Assyrian king Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah, king and leader of Judah, turned to God in prayer and repentance. By this time, Assyria had already destroyed Israel (the Northern Tribes).
(2 Kings 19:35)1NIV New International Version Translatiopns – “That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!”
The Story
Isaiah 37:36 and 2 Chronicles 32:21 also record his biblical event. This story is about God’s love for His people and willingness to protect them. Let’s look deeper to learn more about how evil people are created on Earth and how God handles them when asked for help.
Hezekiah will use God to defeat Sennacherib. This is about faith and divine intervention. Here’s how it unfolded. When Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah turned to the prophet Isaiah for guidance. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would protect the city and that Sennacherib would fail. Hezekiah prayed fervently to God, acknowledging His power and seeking His protection. He prayed for deliverance from the Assyrian threat and expressed his trust in God’s ability to save Jerusalem. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and acted to protect Jerusalem. An angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp overnight, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib’s forces.
Historical evidence outside the biblical account is limited, but some intriguing findings exist. Archaeologists have identified ancient Assyrian military camps that correspond with the narrative of Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem. These camps were discovered at sites like Lachish and Khirbet al Mudawwara. While the exact details of how Sennacherib’s army was destroyed cannot be confirmed, archaeological evidence does provide some context for the events described in the Bible. Ancient Assyrian inscriptions tell a different story, claiming that Hezekiah, the king of Judah, paid a tribute (bribe) to get the Assyrians to leave. However, instead of focusing on what we don’t know, let’s understand better how a person such as Sennacherib came to exist and what Hezekiah did to gain God’s favor.
Sennacherib’s Early Life
Sennacherib’s reign was marked by his military and administrative skills and contributions to his empire’s cultural and architectural heritage. His legacy continues to be a subject of historical and archaeological interest. He was born around 740 BC in the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud. He was Sargon II’s son, the king of Assyria from 722 BC to 705 BC. Sennacherib was likely not the firstborn son, as his name means “Sîn has replaced the brothers,” suggesting he was born to replace deceased siblings. From a young age, Sennacherib was groomed for leadership. He was prepared for succession and held significant administrative and diplomatic responsibilities in the northern and northwestern parts of the Assyrian Empire while his father was away on military campaigns. This early exposure to governance and state affairs helped him develop the skills he would later use as king.
His relationship with his father was likely complex. Sargon II was a powerful and ambitious ruler who would have placed high expectations on Sennacherib. Significant military campaigns and territorial expansions marked Sargon II’s reign, and Sennacherib would have been expected to uphold and continue these achievements. This relationship likely shaped Sennacherib’s ambitions and approach to governance. His youth and upbringing were marked by rigorous training and exposure to the complexities of ruling an empire. This prepared him well for the challenges he would face as king.
Despite his strengths, Sennacherib had several weaknesses that significantly impacted his reign. One of his major flaws was his tendency to underestimate his enemies, driven by his confidence in his military might. This overconfidence sometimes led to miscalculations in his strategies and decisions. Sennacherib also faced considerable tension within his family. His relationship with his sons was strained, culminating in tragedy when his eldest son, Ashur-nadin-shumai, was killed by the Babylonians. Further complicating matters, his other sons conspired against him, which ultimately resulted in his assassination. Maintaining control over Babylon proved to be another significant challenge for Sennacherib. Rebellions plagued the region, and his harsh measures—most notably, the destruction of Babylon in 689 BC—only fueled further resistance among the people. This cycle of rebellion and retribution strained his authority.
It’s the Outcome that Counts!
For Hezekiah, the Assyrian threat was neutralized, his faith in God was rewarded, and Jerusalem was spared from destruction. This victory reinforced the belief in divine protection and the power of prayer. The story challenges us to consider the nature of our choices, the role of divine providence, and the purpose of suffering in the human experience.
Recognizing Evil
There are many common attributes to people that fit the character of Sennacherib. Many rulers create a cult of personality around themselves, portraying themselves as infallible and divine figures. They often suppress freedom of speech, thought, and action to maintain control. They use propaganda to influence the public, discredit opponents, and maintain power. Power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, allowing swift decision-making. Most militarize the state, using the military to enforce their rule. Many dictators use nationalism and xenophobia to rally support and justify their actions. However, there are common weaknesses. Most are overconfident, underestimating their enemies, and making strategic errors. Internal family conflicts can destabilize their rule, as seen in the case of Sennacherib. Poor economic policies can lead to financial crises, undermining their authority. They often face internal rebellions and resistance from the population. The concentration of power makes them vulnerable to assassination attempts by rivals or disgruntled insiders.
In 689 BC, Sennacherib destroyed the city of Babylon, a significant cultural and religious center. This was particularly offensive to God and was seen as particularly brutal and sacrilegious. Sennacherib’s military campaigns were marked by extreme brutality. His invasion of the Kingdom of Judah and the siege of Jerusalem are well-documented, and his methods were often ruthless. Sennacherib’s reign came to an abrupt end when his two sons, Adrammelech (Urad-Mullissu) and Esarhaddon, murdered him in 681 BC, right in his capital city, Nineveh. Despite these challenges, Sennacherib is remembered for his architectural achievements. He introduced a water supply to Nineveh as part of the city’s fortifications. Ironically, that same water would later contribute to the city’s eventual downfall. This internal family conflict and difficulties highlight his significant vulnerability in his rule.
Invoking God’s Mercy
When Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah turned to the prophet Isaiah for guidance. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would protect the city and that Sennacherib would fail. Hezekiah prayed fervently to God, acknowledging His power and seeking His protection. He prayed for deliverance from the Assyrian threat and expressed his trust in God’s ability to save Jerusalem. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and acted to protect Jerusalem. God neutralized the Assyrian threat. Hezekiah’s faith in God was rewarded, and Jerusalem was spared from destruction. This victory reinforced the belief in divine protection and the power of prayer. This is the actual “moral of the story,” so to speak.
(2 Chronicles 7:14) – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
In times of overwhelming adversity, turning to God in faith and prayer can bring divine intervention and protection. Hezekiah’s unwavering trust in God’s power to save Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat exemplified this.
Contemplations
- Think about today’s despots and dictators around the world. Do you think any of them would seek God’s help?
- Ideas to Explore: Does good leadership require that people are led to God? How necessary is humility before God? Is humility needed to pray?
- How does the story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib illustrate the concept of divine intervention?
- Ideas to Explore: Reflect on the significance of Hezekiah’s prayer and how it led to the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army. What was the role of faith and trust in God during times of crisis, and how does this story reinforce the belief in divine protection?
- What lessons can be learned from Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat?
- Ideas to Explore: How did Hezekiah’s decision to seek guidance from the prophet Isaiah impact the story? Can you relate this to the importance of seeking spiritual counsel? What was the impact of Hezekiah’s unwavering faith on the outcome of the siege? How does this serve as an example of the power of prayer?
- How does the story address the world’s problem of evil and suffering?
- Ideas to Explore: Why does a benevolent and omnipotent God allow evil to exist, and how does free will play a role in this complex issue? How do the weaknesses of rulers like Sennacherib and their actions contribute to the presence of evil and suffering?
- 1NIV New International Version Translatiopns