Sennacherib’s Attack on Hezekiah

Abstract

The explanation of 2 Kgs 18:17-19:37 as part of a royal Zion theology from Josiah's reign, as theological, not historical, narrative (R E Clements, Isaiah and the deliverance of Jerusalem) is rejected in the light of contemporary historiography. Part 1 describes Sennacherib's records, part 2 compares the Hebrew record with Assyrian texts brought up to date as events unfolded (cf. 2 Kgs 19:36) and relating divine interventions in war. The biblical narrative can be treated as a report contemporary with the events it details.