The Destruction of Sennacherib Poem Analysis
"The Destruction of Sennacherib": A Vivid Tale of Divine InterventionIntroduction:
"The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a poem by the renowned British Romantic poet Lord Byron, published in 1815 as part of his Hebrew Melodies collection. Drawing upon biblical accounts, particularly from the Book of Isaiah and 2 Kings, the poem tells the story of the Assyrian king Sennacherib's failed attempt to conquer Jerusalem. The poem is a dramatic portrayal of divine intervention and the triumph of good over evil. This article will examine the poem's historical context, its use of imagery and symbolism, and its themes of divine power and human arrogance.
Historical Context:
Sennacherib was the king of Assyria from 705 to 681 BCE. He is known for his military campaigns, which included an attempt to conquer the Kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. According to the Bible, Sennacherib's army was miraculously destroyed by an angel of the Lord, forcing him to retreat to Assyria. This event is the basis for Byron's poem "The Destruction of Sennacherib."
Imagery and Symbolism:
Byron employs vivid and evocative imagery throughout "The Destruction of Sennacherib" to bring the biblical story to life. The poem begins with a powerful description of the Assyrian army, with "The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold," creating an immediate sense of danger and violence. The use of similes and metaphors, such as comparing the Assyrian warriors to wolves and their gleaming spears to stars, serves to heighten the sense of impending doom.
However, the poem takes a dramatic turn as the divine intervention occurs, with the angel of the Lord descending to destroy Sennacherib's army. The imagery shifts from one of violence and destruction to one of peace and tranquility: "And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail, / And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal." This stark contrast serves to emphasize the power of the divine and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Themes:
Divine power: The central theme of "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is the power of the divine to intervene in human affairs and protect the righteous. The sudden destruction of the Assyrian army is a clear demonstration of God's power and serves as a warning to those who would dare challenge His authority. The poem emphasizes that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, can withstand the wrath of the divine.
Human arrogance: Sennacherib's attempt to conquer Jerusalem and subjugate its people is an example of human arrogance and hubris. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the dangers of overconfidence and the ultimate futility of attempting to defy divine will. The sudden and dramatic destruction of Sennacherib's army highlights the fragile nature of human power and the folly of arrogance.
Conclusion:
"The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a powerful and evocative poem that tells the story of a dramatic clash between human ambition and divine power. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Lord Byron masterfully captures the tension and drama of the biblical tale, bringing it to life for contemporary readers. The poem serves as a potent reminder of the power of the divine and the perils of human arrogance, offering a timeless message that continues to resonate with readers today.