Topical Encyclopedia Enemessar is a name that appears in the apocryphal Book of Tobit, which is part of the Deuterocanonical books recognized by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions but not included in the Protestant canon. The name Enemessar is often identified with Shalmaneser V, the Assyrian king who reigned from 727 to 722 BC. This identification is based on the historical context and the role he played in the events described in the Book of Tobit.Historical Context Enemessar, as mentioned in the Book of Tobit, is associated with the Assyrian captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. During his reign, Shalmaneser V laid siege to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, and eventually captured it. This event led to the deportation of the Israelites, fulfilling the prophecies of judgment against the Northern Kingdom due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. Biblical Reference In the Book of Tobit, Enemessar is mentioned as the king who took the Israelites into captivity. Tobit, a righteous Israelite from the tribe of Naphtali, is said to have been among those exiled to Nineveh during this period. Tobit 1:2-3 states: "During the reign of Shalmaneser, king of the Assyrians, I was taken captive and brought to Nineveh. All my brothers and those of my generation ate the food of the Gentiles, but I kept myself from eating it." Role in the Book of Tobit Enemessar's reign is significant in the narrative of Tobit, as it sets the stage for the trials and faithfulness of Tobit and his family. Despite the challenges of living in exile, Tobit remains steadfast in his devotion to God, adhering to the laws of Moses and performing acts of charity, such as burying the dead, which were forbidden by the Assyrian authorities. The account of Tobit highlights themes of faith, righteousness, and divine providence. Enemessar's role as the Assyrian king who initiated the exile serves as a backdrop for the unfolding of God's plan for Tobit and his family, demonstrating that even in times of hardship and foreign domination, God's people can remain faithful and experience His guidance and protection. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the mention of Enemessar in the Book of Tobit underscores the historical reality of the Assyrian exile and its impact on the Israelite community. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant, as well as the hope and redemption available to those who remain faithful. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to live righteously, even in adverse circumstances. While Enemessar is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his identification with Shalmaneser V provides a link to the historical events recorded in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 2 Kings and 1 Chronicles, where the Assyrian conquest and exile are detailed. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ENEMESSARen-e-mes'-ar (Enemessar, Enemessaros): Library Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Thesaurus Enemessar... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ENEMESSAR. en-e-mes'-ar (Enemessar, Enemessaros): Generally allowed, since Grotius, to be a corruption ... /e/enemessar.htm - 7k Tobit Anaharath (1 Occurrence) En-eg'laim (1 Occurrence) Enemies (317 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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