Time period
8th Century BC
Cultural background
The Kingdom of Judah was under threat from the Assyrian Empire, a dominant military power known for its conquests and deportations.
Political environment
Assyria, under King Sennacherib, was expanding its empire and had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Judah, under King Hezekiah, was one of the few remaining independent states in the region.
Geographical setting
Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, was the focal point of Assyrian aggression. The city was strategically important and heavily fortified.
Societal norms
The people of Judah were deeply religious, adhering to the worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah's reforms aimed to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate idolatry.
Significant figures
Hezekiah
Sennacherib
King of Assyria, leading the siege against Jerusalem.
Isaiah
Connected events