Isaiah 37:38
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)
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The verse highlights a critical irony: Sennacherib, after his great and terrifying campaign, is struck down not by an enemy on the battlefield, but by his own sons within the sacred space of his god's temple. This underscores how even the most powerful can face destruction from unexpected, internal sources, and that true security is found not in idols or earthly might, but in God’s protection.
The Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion and blasphemous threats against Jerusalem have just been miraculously thwarted by God's judgment on his army. This verse describes the ultimate fate of Sennacherib, revealing his violent death at the hands of his own sons while he was engaged in worship. Following his demise, one of his sons, Esarhaddon, seizes the throne and begins his own reign.
Sennacherib's final moments are tied to his worship of Nisroch. What does this brutal end reveal about God's view of idols?
The verse paints a stark picture: Sennacherib, the mighty Assyrian king who had just threatened Jerusalem, meets his end while worshiping his god, Nisroch. This isn't a random accident; it's a divine judgment.
The Futility of False Gods
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Sennacherib's own sons are his assassins. What does this act of parricide tell us about the political and familial turmoil within Assyria?
The violent end of Sennacherib at the hands of his sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, reveals a chilling truth about the corrupting nature of power and the consequences of a king's actions.
The Jealousy of Princes
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 passage highlights the dramatic and violent end of Sennacherib's reign, occurring in the midst of his empire, contrasting sharply with his outward displays of power and divine claim.
c. 705 BC
Sennacherib's reign begins
Sennacherib ascended the throne of Assyria, a powerful and expansionist ruler who campaigned extensively throughout the region.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib invades Judah
Sennacherib campaigned against the Levant, including Judah, besieging many cities. Hezekiah of Judah had rebelled against Assyrian rule.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian army destroyed
According to Isaiah's prophecy, a divine intervention destroyed the vast Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw.
c. 701 BC - 681 BC
Sennacherib's later reign
Sennacherib continued to rule Assyria for two decades after his failed invasion of Judah, conducting further campaigns and undertaking significant building projects, notably in Nineveh.
20 Tebet (c. January 681 BC)
This passage directly precedes Isaiah 37:38 in the parallel account, showing Sennacherib's ignominious retreat after God's intervention.
Psalm 76:1-12This psalm celebrates God's swift and decisive judgment against an invading army, directly mirroring the divine intervention that saved Jerusalem from Sennacherib.
Proverbs 14:16This proverb speaks of the wicked's confidence leading to ruin, which is a stark parallel to Sennacherib's fate after his arrogant boasts.
Daniel 4:17This verse articulates the principle that God 'raises up over it the lowliest of mankind,' a concept seen in the overthrow of a mighty king by his own sons, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty.
Matthew 10:36This verse warns that 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household,' directly reflecting the tragic end of Sennacherib at the hands of his 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…
The verse highlights a critical irony: Sennacherib, after his great and terrifying campaign, is struck down not by an enemy on the battlefield, but by his own sons within the sacred space of his god's temple. This underscores how even the most powerful can face destruction from unexpected, internal sources, and that true security is found not in idols or earthly might, but in God’s protection.
The Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion and blasphemous threats against Jerusalem have just been miraculously thwarted by God's judgment on his army. This verse describes the ultimate fate of Sennacherib, revealing his violent death at the hands of his own sons while he was engaged in worship. Following his demise, one of his sons, Esarhaddon, seizes the throne and begins his own reign.
The Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion and blasphemous threats against Jerusalem have just been miraculously thwarted by God's judgment on his army. This verse describes the ultimate fate of Sennacherib, revealing his violent death at the hands of his own sons while he was engaged in worship. Following his demise, one of his sons, Esarhaddon, seizes the throne and begins his own reign.
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God's Hand in Human Affairs
Sennacherib assassinated
Sennacherib was assassinated by his son(s) while worshiping in a temple in Nineveh.
c. February 681 BC
Revolt and succession struggle
Following Sennacherib's death, a period of revolt and uncertainty ensued as his sons vied for the throne.
18 Sivan (c. June 681 BC)
Esarhaddon becomes king
Sennacherib's son, Esarhaddon, eventually succeeded in putting down the revolt and ascended the throne of Assyria.
"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." — The verse highlights a critical irony: Sennacherib, after his great and terrifying campaign, is struck down not by an enemy on the battlefield, but by his own sons within the sacred space of his god'…
