ONLINE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE - LACHISH

Comparing Two Versions of a Story

People don't like to admit their failures and will always brag, however discreetly, about their success. Even the Bible does this.

Check this by comparing the two versions of the conquest of Lachish - a low point in Judah's history, and a high point in Sennacherib's reign.

• Search the Web to find as many images as you can of the wall friezes at Nineveh, carved by Sennacherib's craftsmen to celebrate his victory at Lachish. These friezes lined the walls of his palace, and were visible to any visitor.
• Read the references to the destruction of Lachish in the Bible (see 'RESOURCES'). You will find they are minimal. Read an Assyrian account of the event (see 'PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE', bottom of page).
• Now apply this to your own life. Do you ignore your own failings, perhaps repeating them often? Do you have a sharp eye for the failings of others? And again, do you overlook the good things about yourself, and envy the successes of others?

Warfare in ancient times

Research methods of warfare in the period of the fall of Lachish (circa 700BC). You will find information at 'SIEGE OF LACHISH' and 'BATTLE OF LACHISH'. Use the extension pages on BATTERING RAMS, WEAPONS, ARMOR, etc.

Find images of the wall friezes at Nineveh, and identify the different weapons and strategies used by both sides.

Describe

• the type of weapons and armor used at the time
• different methods of transport
• the size and organization of the army
• Lachish's defences

Empathic Reconstruction

'Be' a person present at the Siege of Lachish - either one of the besieged citizens of Lachish, one of the invading soldiers of Sennacherib - or perhaps just an observer of events. Explain what happens, as you see it. Empathize with the motives and emotions of the person you wish to project.

Use the Nineveh friezes and the Bible account (see LACHISH RESOURCES) to draw up a list of

• the things you know for certain
• the things you would like to know
• background details

Record your findings as journal entries.

Media File

Develop a print media file (newspapers, magazines, advertisements, articles, cartoons, etc.) about war in the modern world. The articles might cover reasons for going to war, people affected by war who show courage and dignity in a difficult or tragic situation, and abuses that occur during a war.

• Sort through the collected material and make choices about what you think is most accurate and relevant. Does the reporting show the reality of war? 
• Make a lay-out of this material, adding comments of your own if you wish. What is the mood of the article? What image of the war is the reporter trying to present?
• Show your file to a study partner, asking for helpful comments and feed-back
• Spend time thinking about your choices and responses. Do you feel you are getting an accurate picture of the war?