Verses 9-12 describe the disaster of the Northern Kingdom and the deportation of all its people. After the Northern Kingdom’s fall, the Assyrians plan to attack Judah as well; however, an initial political move has some effect, at least for now: Hezekiah submits to the powerful through a costly vassalage funded by treasures from the Temple and the royal palace (14-16). This vassalage had already been paid, as Judah sought protection from Assyria against Israel and Damascus during Ahaz’s reign. Still, the threat persists; verses 17-37 contain the threatening message sent by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, to Hezekiah. The message shows the Assyrian king’s complete confidence in his army. How can Hezekiah believe that Judah and Jerusalem are immune?