Palestine had revolted, under the leadership of Hezekiah of Judah.

The full strength of the Assyrian army was accordingly hurled against it.

The King of Sidon fled to Cyprus, and Phoenicia, Ammon, Moab, and Edom hastened to submit to their dangerous foe.

Hezekiah and his Philistine vassals alone ventured to resist.
The Philistines, however, were soon subdued.

A new king was appointed over Ashkelon, and Hezekiah was compelled to restore to Ekron its former prince, whom he had imprisoned in Jerusalem on account of his loyalty to Assyria.