Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Ashur is a significant figure and location in biblical history, often associated with the Assyrian Empire. The name Ashur appears in various contexts within the Bible, referring to both a person and a nation. Understanding Ashur provides insight into the geopolitical and spiritual landscape of the ancient Near East as depicted in the Scriptures. Ashur as a Person: Ashur is first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, where he is listed as a son of Shem, one of Noah's sons. Genesis 10:22 states, "The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram." As a descendant of Shem, Ashur is part of the Semitic lineage, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of the Bible. Ashur as a Nation: The name Ashur is also synonymous with the Assyrian Empire, a dominant force in the ancient Near East. The Assyrians are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a powerful and often oppressive nation. The Assyrian Empire's capital, Nineveh, is notably referenced in the book of Jonah, where God commands Jonah to preach repentance to its inhabitants. Biblical References to Assyria: Assyria's interactions with Israel and Judah are well-documented in the Bible. The Assyrians are often depicted as instruments of God's judgment against the Israelites for their disobedience. In 2 Kings 17:6 , the Assyrian king Shalmaneser captures Samaria and exiles the Israelites, marking the fall of the Northern Kingdom: "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria." The prophet Isaiah also speaks extensively about Assyria, portraying it as both a tool of divine wrath and a nation subject to God's ultimate judgment. Isaiah 10:5-6 declares, "Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to seize the spoil and snatch the plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets." Assyria's Role in Prophecy: The prophets often use Assyria as a symbol of God's sovereignty over the nations. Despite its might, Assyria is not beyond God's control. In Isaiah 14:24-25 , the Lord asserts His power over Assyria: "The LORD of Hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountains. Then his yoke will be taken from My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.'" Cultural and Historical Context: The Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess, architectural achievements, and administrative efficiency. Its capital, Nineveh, was one of the largest cities of its time. The Assyrians were also known for their brutal tactics in warfare, which contributed to their fearsome reputation among neighboring nations. Spiritual Lessons: The biblical narrative of Ashur and Assyria serves as a reminder of God's control over history and His use of nations to fulfill His purposes. The rise and fall of Assyria illustrate the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over all kingdoms. The account of Jonah and Nineveh highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive even the most wicked when they repent. Conclusion: While Ashur and the Assyrian Empire are often associated with judgment and destruction, they also serve as a testament to God's overarching plan and His ability to use even the most formidable empires to accomplish His divine will. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Ashurwho is happy; or walks; or looks Smith's Bible Dictionary Ashur(black), the posthumous son of Hezron by his wife Abiah. (1 Chronicles 2:24; 4:5) He became "father" or founder of the town of Tekoa. (B.C. 1658.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHURash'-ur. See ASHHUR. Strong's Hebrew 839. ashur -- perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood)ashur or ashurim. 838, 839. ashur or ashurim. 840 . perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood). Transliteration: ashur or ashurim Phonetic ... /hebrew/839.htm - 6k 804a. ashur -- step, going 634. Esarchaddon -- "Ashur has given a brother," an Assyrian king 806. Ashchuwr -- "black," an Israelite 804. Ashshuwr -- step, going 805. Ashuwriy -- descendant of Asshur, also a region of Isr. Library The Historicity of the Book of Jonah. The Destruction of Sennacherib Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants. The Old Testament and Comparative Religion [Endnotes] The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Palestine under Pagan Kings. The Old Testament and Archeology Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Thesaurus Ashur (6 Occurrences)...ASHUR. ash'-ur. See ASHHUR. ...Ashur (6 Occurrences). Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth Ashur, and built Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, (WBS). ... /a/ashur.htm - 8k Ashurbanipal (1 Occurrence) Boxtree Box-tree (2 Occurrences) Goings (42 Occurrences) Going (2561 Occurrences) Ashtoreths (6 Occurrences) Babylonia (17 Occurrences) Naarah (3 Occurrences) Ulai (2 Occurrences) Resources Who were the sons of Noah, and what happened to them and their descendants? | GotQuestions.orgWho are Semites? | GotQuestions.org Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org Ashur: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ashur (6 Occurrences)Genesis 10:11 Genesis 10:22 Numbers 24:24 1 Chronicles 2:24 1 Chronicles 4:5 Hosea 14:3 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |