And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword. And after they escaped into the land of Ararat, Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Sennacherib's death occurs not just as a consequence of his blasphemy, but during his worship of his god Nisroch, highlighting the utter futility of relying on idols for protection or favor. His sons, who strike him down, then escape into exile, showing how even the violent consequences of sin can lead to personal ruin rather than power.
And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword. And after they escaped into the land of Ararat, Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Sennacherib, after hearing that his army was miraculously destroyed and that he was to return home, did so. The text then shifts to the end of his life, recounting how, while he was engaged in worship, his own sons assassinated him. Following this violent regicide, his son Esarhaddon took the throne.
Even as Sennacherib sought favor from his god, his end was being orchestrated by the true God. What does this tell us about the power and reach of God?
The verse paints a vivid picture: Sennacherib is engaged in worship in the temple of his god, Nisroch. This act of devotion, however, is not an act of true worship but a desperate plea to an idol that holds no real power.
The Emptiness of Idols
Idols, whether made of wood, stone, or something more elaborate, are ultimately powerless. They are the work of human hands, unable to offer protection or salvation. Sennacherib's misplaced faith in Nisroch highlights the folly of relying on anything other than the living God.
God's Sovereign Hand
Despite Sennacherib's actions, it is the sovereign hand of God that brings about his downfall. The very act of worship becomes the moment of his judgment. This underscores a profound truth: God is not limited by human actions or religious ceremonies. He is in control, even when people turn to false gods. His justice will prevail, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
Sennacherib's reign ends not by a foreign invader, but by his own sons. What does this violent end reveal about the nature of power in the ancient world?
The narrative takes a sharp turn with the shocking parricide. Sennacherib is struck down by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer.
The Corruption of Power
This act of violence is a stark illustration of how the pursuit and exercise of power can corrupt even familial relationships. The commentary suggests that a potential motive was jealousy, possibly fueled by Sennacherib's favoring of Esarhaddon as his successor.
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Escape and Succession
The sons' immediate escape to Ararat and the subsequent reign of Esarhaddon highlight the instability and brutal power struggles within empires. The rise of Esarhaddon, noted for his later actions like repopulating Samaria, shows how these cycles of violence can have long-lasting consequences.
This event serves as a grim reminder that earthly power, especially when pursued ruthlessly, often leads to betrayal and destruction from within.
Understand the original words
chavah · Hebrew Verb
The act of showing profound reverence, honor, and adoration to a deity; when directed toward idols, it highlights the folly of worshipping created things rather than the Creator.
Nisrok · Hebrew/Akkadian Proper Noun
A name associated with an Assyrian deity; it represents the false gods that pagan nations trusted in, which are ultimately shown to be powerless against the LORD.
cherev · Hebrew Noun
A common implement of war and an instrument of divine judgment or human conflict, symbolizing the violence and instability of worldly kingdoms.
This verse records the violent end of Assyrian King Sennacherib's life, a dramatic event that followed his failed campaign against Judah and served as a brutal, internal consequence of his reign of power.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Campaign in Judah
Assyrian King Sennacherib campaigns against Judah, besieging many cities but ultimately failing to capture Jerusalem. He is thwarted by a divine intervention that destroys much of his army.
c. 681 BC
Assassination of Sennacherib
Sennacherib is murdered by his sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, while he is worshiping in a temple. This event marks a violent end to his reign and a succession crisis in Assyria.
c. 681 BC
Accession of Esarhaddon
Following his father's assassination, Esarhaddon, another son of Sennacherib, ascends the throne of Assyria, ending the revolt of his parricidal brothers.
This passage describes the divine judgment on Sennacherib's army, directly preceding the account of his death, highlighting God's intervention in the face of Assyrian aggression.
Psalm 76:1-10This psalm celebrates God's power and judgment against enemies who threatened Jerusalem, echoing the theme of divine protection and the humbling of arrogant invaders like Sennacherib.
Jeremiah 20:11This verse speaks of God as a mighty warrior defending His people, a theme that resonates with the downfall of Sennacherib, who was ultimately defeated not by human might but by divine power.
2 Chronicles 32:21This passage directly parallels Isaiah's narrative, detailing how the Lord sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian army, emphasizing the supernatural intervention that led to Sennacherib's retreat and subsequent demise.
Proverbs 26:27This proverb about digging a pit and falling into it yourself reflects the ultimate fate of Sennacherib, who, after threatening and attacking God's people, met a violent end by his own sons.
barnesIsaiah 37:38: "And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead."
As he was worshipping - Perhaps this time was selected because he might be then attended with fewer guards, or because they were able to surprise him without the possibility of his summoning his attendants to his rescue. In the house - In the temple. Of…
cambridgeIsaiah 37:38: "And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead."
38 . The official account of Sennacherib’s death as given in the Babylonian Chronicle (Col. 3:34–38) is as follows: “On 20 Tebet Sennacherib, king of Assyria, was killed by his son in a revolt. [23] years reigned Sennacherib in Assyria. From 20 Tebet to…
Sennacherib's death occurs not just as a consequence of his blasphemy, but during his worship of his god Nisroch, highlighting the utter futility of relying on idols for protection or favor. His sons, who strike him down, then escape into exile, showing how even the violent consequences of sin can lead to personal ruin rather than power.
Sennacherib, after hearing that his army was miraculously destroyed and that he was to return home, did so. The text then shifts to the end of his life, recounting how, while he was engaged in worship, his own sons assassinated him. Following this violent regicide, his son Esarhaddon took the throne.
Sennacherib, after hearing that his army was miraculously destroyed and that he was to return home, did so. The text then shifts to the end of his life, recounting how, while he was engaged in worship, his own sons assassinated him. Following this violent regicide, his son Esarhaddon took the throne.
"And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword. And after they escaped into the land of Ararat, Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place." — Sennacherib's death occurs not just as a consequence of his blasphemy, but during his worship of his god Nisroch, highlighting the utter futility of relying on idols for protection or favor. His so…
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Last reviewed October 2026