Isaiah 36:1

it came to pass. Note the insertion of these historical events in the midst of prophecy, corresponding with those concerning the reign of Ahaz. Compare 2 Kings 18:13 , 2 Kings 20:19 , on which Isaiah is not dependent, and 2 Chronicles 32:1-33 , which is not dependent on either (see App-56 ). This history is a proof of Isaiah's prophetic mission and gifts. History and prophecy are thus combined: for the latter is history foretold, and the former is (in this and many cases) prophecy fulfilled: the two accounts being perfectly independent.

in the fourteenth year: i.e. 628 B.C. See App-50 . pp Isa 59:60 . After Hezekiah's reformation (2 Chronicles 29:1 -- Isaiah 32:1 ). Samaria had been taken by Shalmaneser in Hezekiah's sixth year (2 Kings 18:10 ). The date (fourteenth year) no "error".

defenced cities = fortified cities.

and took them. See the list and number of them (forty-six) on Sennacherib's hexagonal cylinder in the British Museum. See App-67 .