Several years after Shalmaneser captured Israel, Sennacherib, his successor, invades Judah. Sennacherib captures Lachish (in Judah), a siege that is well documented by the Assyrians (see pictures below). With all their power and might, the Assyrians feel so confident in their victory over Judah that the Assyrian representative, Rebshakeh, declares (in Jerusalem no less!) that the Lord cannot save Judah. This reminds me of when David accepted Goliath's challenge to fight and Goliath cursed David by his gods (1 Sam 17:43). Both Goliath and Rebshakeh made it personal between their army and the Lord. While, yes, we need to be ready to answer for our hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15) and even defend the Lord with apologetics, but realize that our God will take care of His name. Our response should be loyalty and faithfulness to Him.
