2 Chronicles 32:1-8

2 Chronicles 32:1-8 (cp. 2 Kings 18:13-16). Sennacherib's threatened Invasion. Hezekiah's Precautions

The Chronicler introduces us somewhat abruptly to the Assyrian crisis. From 2 Kin. we learn first that Hezekiah renounced the suzerainty of Assyria (2 Chronicles 18:7), which his father Ahaz had acknowledged (ibid.2 Chronicles 16:7). Thereupon Sennacherib invaded Judah, and Hezekiah was obliged to acknowledge with a heavy payment of tribute his dependence on the Assyrian king (ibid.2 Chronicles 18:13-16), Sennacherib having discovered the weakness of Judah, next demanded an unconditional surrender, intending to transport the Jews to another country (ibid.31, 32). This demand Hezekiah resisted, being strengthened thereto by Isaiah.