Topical Bible: Commerce: Ninevites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ninevites, inhabitants of the ancient city of Nineveh, were part of the Assyrian Empire, which was one of the most powerful and influential empires in the ancient Near East. Nineveh, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, was a major center of commerce and trade, contributing significantly to the wealth and power of the Assyrian Empire.

Historical Context

Nineveh's strategic location along the Tigris River facilitated trade routes that connected the city with various parts of the ancient world, including Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant. This advantageous position allowed the Ninevites to engage in extensive trade, importing and exporting goods such as textiles, metals, and agricultural products. The city's prosperity was further enhanced by its role as a political and administrative center, especially during the reign of King Sennacherib, who made Nineveh the capital of Assyria in the late 8th century BC.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to Nineveh, highlighting its significance and the moral and spiritual lessons associated with it. The Book of Jonah is perhaps the most well-known biblical account involving Nineveh. God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I give you" (Jonah 3:2). Jonah's eventual compliance and the subsequent repentance of the Ninevites underscore the city's capacity for change and the mercy of God.

In the Book of Nahum, Nineveh is depicted as a city of great wealth and commerce, yet one that is ultimately doomed due to its sins and moral corruption. Nahum 3:16 states, "You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away." This passage highlights the extensive commercial activities of Nineveh, while also serving as a metaphor for the city's impending destruction.

Cultural and Economic Influence

The Ninevites were known for their advanced urban planning and impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of grand palaces and temples. These developments were funded by the wealth generated through commerce and tribute from conquered territories. The city's economic prosperity allowed for the flourishing of arts and culture, making Nineveh a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange.

The Assyrian Empire, with Nineveh as its heart, exerted significant influence over the surrounding regions, both economically and politically. The Ninevites' commercial activities contributed to the spread of Assyrian culture and the integration of various peoples and goods into the empire's vast network.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The biblical narrative of Nineveh serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of wealth and the importance of righteousness. Despite its commercial success and economic power, Nineveh's ultimate downfall, as prophesied by Nahum, illustrates the consequences of moral decay and the neglect of divine commandments. The account of Jonah and the Ninevites also emphasizes the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of repentance.

In summary, the Ninevites were a people deeply engaged in commerce, contributing to the prosperity and influence of the Assyrian Empire. Their account, as recorded in the Bible, offers valuable insights into the relationship between economic success, moral integrity, and divine judgment.

Nave's Topical Index

Nahum 3:16
You have multiplied your merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoils, and flees away.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"Nineveh, that Great City"
... Into the busy world, filled with the din of commerce and the altercation of trade ...
As the preaching of Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so Christ's preaching ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 22 nineveh that great.htm

That Pious Parents have Reason to Hope it is Well with those Dear ...
... the Divine Being speaks of them in the Instance of the Ninevites[p], and on ... them
there with unknown Delight, tho' our former Methods of Commerce with them be ...
/.../iv that pious parents have.htm

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... 2435] was preserved, became king of Nineveh, and so brought the Ninevites to true ...
for those who would then strike the great road of Eastern commerce, which led ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Commerce, should teach public spirit, [321]57; selfishness incident to, [322]241;
contrary to God's intention, [323]242. Common mercies, thanks for, [324]281. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Morality and Doctrine
... this conversion consists in a worship of God which is like commerce, and in ... The goodness
of God leadeth to repentance, and that other of the Ninevites: "Let us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vii morality and doctrine.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... populace, in company with the bears, dogs, and boars which the Ninevites were in ...
of their court and people, and the countless riches which the commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm