The Assyrian representatives, after taking leave of the chief men of Judah, communicated direct with their king, 355 who was with the division of his army guarding the approach from Egypt. Upon hearing the report, Sennacherib wrote "letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver His people out of mine hand." 2 Chronicles 32:17.

Da de assyriske repræsentanter havde afsluttet forhandlingerne med Judas øverste mænd, satte de sig i direkte forbindelse med deres konge, som var draget med den afdeling af hæren, der vogtede vejen til Ægypten. Da Sankerib hørte deres rapport, skrev han "et brev for at smæde Herren, Israels Gud, og tale imod ham; heri stod der: "Så lidt som landenes folks guder har frelst deres folk af min hånd, skal Ezekias Gud frelse sit folk af min hånd!" 2Krøn. 32,17.