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Introduction to the Discovery

A recent archaeological discovery in Israel may provide evidence for the Biblical account of an angel of Jehovah’s angel destroying 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. This event is detailed in 2 Kings 19:35, Isaiah 37:36-38, and 2 Chronicles 32:21. Independent scholar Stephen Compton, specializing in Near Eastern archaeology, utilized modern mapping techniques to identify what he believes are ancient Assyrian military camps dating back to around 700 B.C.E.

The Biblical Account of the Assyrian Defeat

The Bible records a miraculous event where an angel of Jehovah struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to their retreat from Jerusalem. 2 Kings 19:35 states, “And that night the angel of Jehovah went out and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians; and when they arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.” This event is also corroborated by Isaiah 37:36-38 and 2 Chronicles 32:21, highlighting its significance in the Biblical narrative.

Stone panels from the walls of the Assyrian Emperor Sennacherib’s palace show his military camp. The 24 guard towers along the camp’s perimeter wall, each with three windows visible, indicate a substantial fortification. (Steve Compton)

Archaeological Evidence from Assyrian Texts and Greek Histories

The discovery aligns with records from Assyrian texts, Greek histories, and the Hebrew Bible. These sources collectively provide a historical context for the Assyrian campaigns and their encounters with the Israelites. Assyrian records, such as the annals of King Sennacherib, detail the siege of Lachish, a prominent city mentioned in the Bible. Sennacherib’s palace features stone carvings depicting the conquest of Lachish and the layout of his military camp.

Mapping the Assyrian Camp

Stephen Compton’s research involved matching the landscape depicted in Sennacherib’s palace reliefs with early aerial photographs of Lachish, taken before modern development altered the terrain. By overlaying the reliefs with the photographs, Compton identified a large oval shape corresponding to the Assyrian military camp. This methodology allowed him to pinpoint the likely location of Sennacherib’s camp, providing a tangible connection to the Biblical account.

Bottom: The entire scene from Sennacherib’s palace wall as drawn by its excavator, Austen Henry Layard, in 1849. Top: The same landscape as photographed from a plane in 1945, prior to modern alterations to the landscape. Correlating the two indicated a likely location for the ruins of Sennacherib’s camp. (Steve Compton)

The Significance of Lachish in Biblical and Assyrian Records

Lachish holds a crucial place in both Biblical and Assyrian records. It was one of the fortified cities of Judah and played a significant role during Sennacherib’s invasion. The Bible describes Lachish as a focal point of the Assyrian attack. 2 Kings 18:14 states, “Then Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, ‘I have done wrong; turn away from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.’ And the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.”

The Assyrian records confirm the siege and capture of Lachish, with detailed reliefs in Sennacherib’s palace depicting the event. These reliefs show the city under attack, the construction of siege ramps, and the deportation of its inhabitants, providing a vivid portrayal of the historical context.

The earliest aerial photograph of Jerusalem, lower left, with an oval fortification visible on a hill in the upper right. From the collection of the Library of Congress. (Steve Compton)

Identifying the Camp’s Location

Compton’s identification of the Assyrian camp’s location involved meticulous analysis of the terrain and historical records. He used early aerial photographs from World War II, which captured the landscape before significant changes occurred. By overlaying these photographs with the reliefs from Sennacherib’s palace, he was able to match specific features in the landscape, such as the oval shape of the camp.

The aerial photographs revealed remnants of concentric oval fortifications, matching the descriptions from Assyrian records. These fortifications, along with the position and layout of the camp, fit into the historical context of Sennacherib’s invasion. This discovery supports the Biblical narrative, providing physical evidence for the events described in the Scriptures.

The site of Sennacherib’s Jerusalem camp, now known as Ammunition Hill. (Steve Compton)

The Role of the Assyrian Military Camp

The Assyrian military camp, as depicted in the reliefs and identified in the landscape, played a crucial role during Sennacherib’s campaign. The camp served as a base for the Assyrian army, housing soldiers, supplies, and siege equipment. Its strategic location near Lachish allowed the Assyrians to launch attacks on the city and maintain control over the surrounding region.

The detailed depiction of the camp in Sennacherib’s palace reliefs highlights its significance. The reliefs show guard towers, fortifications, and the organization of the camp, providing insights into Assyrian military practices. The discovery of the camp’s remains in the landscape corroborates these details, offering a tangible link to the historical events.

The Implications for Biblical Archaeology

The discovery of the Assyrian military camp has significant implications for Biblical archaeology. It provides concrete evidence supporting the historical accuracy of the Biblical account, particularly the events described in 2 Kings 19:35. The alignment of the archaeological findings with the Biblical narrative demonstrates the reliability of the Scriptures.

This discovery also underscores the importance of integrating archaeological research with Biblical studies. By examining historical records, ancient texts, and physical evidence, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the events described in the Bible. The identification of the Assyrian camp at Lachish is a testament to the value of interdisciplinary research in uncovering the historical context of the Scriptures.

Pp. 110-120: “The Trail of Sennacherib’s Siege Camps,” by Stephen C. Compton

The Broader Context of Assyrian Invasions

The Assyrian invasions, as detailed in the Bible and confirmed by archaeological evidence, were a defining moment in the history of ancient Israel. The Assyrian empire, under kings like Sennacherib, sought to expand its territory and exert control over the region. The invasions led to the destruction of cities, the deportation of populations, and significant political and social upheaval.

The Bible records these events in books such as 2 Kings, Isaiah, and Chronicles, providing a theological perspective on the invasions. The prophets interpreted the Assyrian conquests as a form of divine judgment, calling the people to repentance and faithfulness to Jehovah. The archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of the Assyrian camp, corroborates these accounts, providing a historical framework for understanding the theological message of the Scriptures.

The Role of Prophecy in the Biblical Account

The Biblical account of the Assyrian invasions is intertwined with prophetic pronouncements. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warned of the impending judgment and called the people to repentance. Isaiah 37:36-38 describes the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat, attributing it to divine intervention. The discovery of the Assyrian camp provides a historical backdrop for these prophetic events, illustrating the fulfillment of divine promises.

The prophets’ messages emphasized that the Assyrian invasions were not merely political or military events but acts of divine judgment and mercy. The miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army, as described in 2 Kings 19:35, served as a testament to Jehovah’s power and faithfulness. The archaeological findings support this narrative, highlighting the convergence of historical and theological dimensions in the Biblical account.

Conclusion: The Significance of the Discovery

The identification of the Assyrian military camp near Lachish is a groundbreaking discovery that corroborates the Biblical account of 2 Kings 19:35. The detailed analysis of the landscape, combined with historical records and archaeological evidence, provides a compelling case for the accuracy of the Scriptures. This discovery underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in Biblical archaeology, offering new insights into the historical context of the Bible.

As scholars continue to explore the ancient world, discoveries like the Assyrian camp at Lachish contribute to a deeper understanding of the Biblical narrative. These findings affirm the reliability of the Scriptures and provide a tangible connection to the events described in the Bible. For believers, the integration of archaeological evidence with Biblical studies enriches their faith and offers a profound appreciation for the historical foundations of their spiritual heritage.

BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY: Three Assyrian Inscriptions About Hebrew Kings

King Sennacherib’s Invasion of Judah—A Convergence of Biblical Record and Archaeological Evidence

Sennacherib—Assyria’s King and His Campaigns

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).