Isaiah 36:1

Nowe it came to passe in the fourteenth yeere of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came vp against all the defenced cities of Iudah, and tooke them. Isaiah 36:1 (KJV)

Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.

This verse sets the stage for a significant event in the history of Israel, specifically during the reign of King Hezekiah. To fully understand the context of Isaiah 36:1, we need to explore the historical background and the broader narrative of the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah was a prophet who lived during the 8th century BCE (approximately 740‑700 BCE). His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah, including Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah’s prophecies address both the immediate political climate and provide glimpses of the future redemption and restoration of God’s people.

In Isaiah 36 we find ourselves in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign. At this time Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, launches a military campaign against the fortified cities of Judah. The Assyrian empire was known for its military might and aggression, seeking to expand its dominion over neighboring nations.

Sennacherib’s invasion and conquest of the fortified cities of Judah were a significant threat to the kingdom. The Assyrians had already captured the northern kingdom of Israel, and now they set their sights on the southern kingdom of Judah, which included the city of Jerusalem. It is important to note that the Assyrian conquest and siege of Jerusalem are described in detail not only in Isaiah but also in 2 Kings 18‑19 and 2 Chronicles 32, providing a more comprehensive picture of the events surrounding Isaiah 36:1.

Isaiah 36:1 specifically states that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came against all the “fortified cities of Judah” and took them, implying that the Assyrian forces successfully overran those strategic strongholds. The capture of these cities caused great concern and distress among the people of Judah. The Assyrians were notorious for their brutal tactics, often deporting conquered peoples and subjecting them to harsh treatment, bringing a real threat to the existence of the kingdom and its capital, Jerusalem.

As the narrative unfolds, we see that Hezekiah, in response to the Assyrian threat, seeks the guidance and intervention of the prophet Isaiah. God assures Hezekiah through Isaiah that the Assyrian army will not succeed in its conquest of Jerusalem. The following chapters record God’s intervention and the subsequent defeat of the Assyrian forces.

Overall, Isaiah 36:1 highlights the dire situation that Judah faced during the Assyrian invasion. It serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative, leading to the faith and trust of Hezekiah in seeking God’s intervention through the prophet Isaiah. The verse also emphasizes the faithfulness of God to protect and deliver His people in the face of overwhelming odds, reminding us that even in times of great distress we can turn to God and find hope and assurance in His promises.