It preceded the Siege of Lachish, making it the first known clash between the two kingdoms during Sennacherib's campaign in Judah.

After defeating the rebels of Ekron in Philistia he set out to subjugate Judah and in his way to Jerusalem he came across Azekah, among the most important Jewish cities.

Azekah was a walled settlement situated on a hill, typical of important Jewish cities at the time.

He mentions that he used battering rams to bring down the walls which was followed by close quarters combat between the opposing sides' infantry.

After the destruction and looting of Azekah, Sennacherib led his army further into Judah, which he once again commanded during the Siege of Lachish.