Topical Bible: Assyria: Alliances With, Sought by Judah and Israel

◄ Assyria: Alliances With, Sought by Judah and Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah, particularly during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and expansive conquests, became a focal point for the smaller kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which sought alliances with or protection from this formidable power.

Israel's Alliances with Assyria

The Northern Kingdom of Israel, under the reign of King Menahem, was one of the first to seek an alliance with Assyria. Facing internal strife and external threats, Menahem sought the favor of Tiglath-Pileser III, the Assyrian king, by paying a substantial tribute. This is recorded in 2 Kings 15:19-20 : "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land."

Later, during the reign of King Pekah, Israel faced the threat of Assyrian aggression. Pekah formed an anti-Assyrian coalition with Rezin, king of Aram, and sought to pressure Judah into joining. However, this alliance ultimately led to Israel's downfall when Tiglath-Pileser III captured large portions of Israel's territory and deported its inhabitants (2 Kings 15:29).

Judah's Alliances with Assyria

The Southern Kingdom of Judah also engaged in alliances with Assyria, albeit with varying motivations and outcomes. King Ahaz of Judah, facing the Syro-Ephraimite coalition of Israel and Aram, sought Assyrian assistance. In 2 Kings 16:7-8 , it is recorded: "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.' And Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria."

This alliance, while providing temporary relief, came at a spiritual and political cost. Ahaz adopted Assyrian religious practices, leading to idolatry in Judah (2 Kings 16:10-18).

Prophetic Warnings and Consequences

The prophets of Israel and Judah, such as Isaiah and Hosea, frequently warned against reliance on foreign alliances, particularly with Assyria. Isaiah 7:17 warns, "The LORD will bring on you and your people and the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—He will bring the king of Assyria."

Hosea also criticized Israel's dependence on Assyria, highlighting the futility of such alliances: "Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria" (Hosea 7:11).

Historical and Theological Implications

The alliances with Assyria reflect the political and spiritual struggles of Israel and Judah. While seeking security and stability, these alliances often led to increased Assyrian influence and control, ultimately contributing to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC and the spiritual decline of Judah. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of reliance on God rather than foreign powers, a theme echoed by the prophets who called the people back to faithfulness and trust in the LORD.

Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... he proved unfaithful to his master, and sought the alliance ... the same time a covenant
with Assyria (12:1 ... and especially idolatry and idolatrous alliances, to be ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... on the south, was also a mighty empire at this time, constantly at war with Assyria;
and the kings of Judah sometimes sought alliances with one ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... to the constant contraction of such alliances through several ... had long bound them
to Assyria, and concluded ... themselves from the main movement sought an outlet ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... interchange of amenities and these alliances, however, had ... an error for Khubushkhia,
and have sought the seat ... solicited help from the Pharaohs against Assyria. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... often and severely rebuked because they sought refuge and ... continued to form friendships
and alliances with the ... of Egypt, Syria, Babylon and Assyria, and thus ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... in the quarrels of Asia, and Assyria was suffering ... Hadrach or Mansuati, the cities
which sought to take ... of the most influential family in either Judah or Israel ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

A Miracle of Grace
... of the host of the king of Assyria, which took ... of the common people, and make friendly
alliances with nations ... could imitate, until at last they sought out some ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a miracle of grace.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and that cover with a covering (form alliances), but not ... strength against the advanced
posts of Assyria or Urartu ... Elam was certain to intervene, sought how they ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... followed his example, and the dominion of Assyria was carried ... Lukhuti must not be
sought in the ... suzerains of Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. ... for, the bulk of the Israelites
sought to cross ... chiefs were respectively free to make alliances, or to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm