Chizkiyahu's Sword and the Fall of Sancheirev

Years later, when Sancheriv launched a massive assault against the Jewish nation, his forces appeared invincible. His army included 45,000 princes riding chariots adorned with gold and silver, 80,000 armored knights, 60,000 swordsmen, and countless cavalrymen. After capturing several cities, Sancheriv laid siege to Yerushalayim, convinced of his imminent victory. His troops encamped outside the city, planning an attack at dawn. Yet, at midnight, a miracle occurred: the angel of death struck the Assyrian camp, claiming the lives of 185,000 soldiers and captains. When Sancheriv awoke to lead his men into battle, he discovered only a field of corpses, forcing him to retreat in disgrace, his formidable power shattered.

Why did the Jewish people merit such divine intervention? According to Rabbi Yitzhak Nappacha, the downfall of Sancheriv’s yoke was due to the oil that burned in synagogues and study halls as the people engaged in Torah study throughout the night. Chizkiya had even stationed a sword at the study hall’s entrance, warning that anyone who did not study Torah would be struck down. Consequently, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, no one was found lacking in Torah knowledge – not a single child or adult was not well-versed in the detailed laws of ritual purity and impurity.