E'sar-Had'don, also spelled Esarhaddon, was a king of Assyria who reigned from 681 to 669 BC. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative due to his interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. E'sar-Had'don was the son of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king known for his military campaigns against Judah, including the siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah.

Biblical References:

E'sar-Had'don is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Assyrian empire's influence over the region. In 2 Kings 19:37 , it is recorded that after the assassination of Sennacherib, "his sons struck him down with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place." This passage highlights the transition of power to E'sar-Had'don following the violent end of his father's reign.

In Ezra 4:2 , E'sar-Had'don is mentioned in relation to the resettlement policies of the Assyrian empire: "they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families and said, 'Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to Him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.'" This verse indicates that E'sar-Had'don continued the Assyrian practice of relocating conquered peoples, which had significant implications for the cultural and religious landscape of the region.

Historical Context:

E'sar-Had'don's reign was marked by efforts to consolidate and stabilize the Assyrian empire after the tumultuous end of Sennacherib's rule. He is known for his military campaigns in Egypt, where he successfully captured Memphis and Thebes, extending Assyrian influence into the Nile Valley. His reign is also noted for rebuilding efforts, including the restoration of Babylon, which had been destroyed by his father.

E'sar-Had'don's policies of deportation and resettlement were part of a broader strategy to maintain control over the vast Assyrian empire. By moving populations, he aimed to prevent rebellion and integrate diverse peoples into the empire's administrative and economic systems.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, E'sar-Had'don's role in the biblical narrative underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations. The Assyrian empire, despite its might and influence, is portrayed in the Bible as an instrument in God's hands, used to fulfill divine purposes. The mention of E'sar-Had'don in the context of the resettlement of peoples serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine providence and human history.

E'sar-Had'don's interactions with the people of Israel and Judah reflect the broader theme of God's judgment and mercy. The Assyrian empire, as a tool of judgment, also sets the stage for the eventual restoration and return of the Jewish people, as seen in the post-exilic period.E'sar-Had'don (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 4:2
then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers' houses, and said to them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:38
And it came about, when he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to death with the sword, and they went in flight into the land of Ararat. And Esar-haddon, his son, became king in his place.
(See RSV)

E'sar-Had'don (2 Occurrences)
E'sar-Had'don. Esarhad'don, E'sar-Had'don. Esau . Multi-Version Concordance
E'sar-Had'don (2 Occurrences). Ezra 4:2 then they drew ...
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Esarhad'don (1 Occurrence)
Esarhad'don. Esar-haddon, Esarhad'don. E'sar-Had'don . Multi-Version
Concordance Esarhad'don (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 19:37 And it ...
/e/esarhad'don.htm - 6k

Esau (89 Occurrences)

/e/esau.htm - 41k

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