Topical Encyclopedia Esar-Haddon, also known as Asnapper, was a significant figure in the ancient Near East, serving as the king of Assyria from 681 to 669 BC. He was the son of Sennacherib and the grandson of Sargon II, continuing the powerful lineage of Assyrian rulers. His reign is noted for both military conquests and extensive building projects, as well as his interactions with the biblical lands and peoples.Historical Context and Reign Esar-Haddon ascended to the throne following the assassination of his father, Sennacherib, an event recorded in the Bible in 2 Kings 19:37: "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place." This transition of power was marked by internal strife, but Esar-Haddon quickly established his authority. During his reign, Esar-Haddon undertook several military campaigns to consolidate and expand Assyrian power. Notably, he successfully invaded Egypt in 671 BC, capturing Memphis and briefly establishing Assyrian control over the region. This conquest is significant in the context of biblical history, as Egypt was often a place of refuge and alliance for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Biblical References and Significance Esar-Haddon is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the resettlement of peoples. In Ezra 4:2, the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, "Let us build with you, for we seek 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 reference highlights Esar-Haddon's policy of relocating conquered peoples, a common Assyrian practice intended to prevent rebellion and integrate diverse populations into the empire. The name Asnapper, often associated with Esar-Haddon, appears in Ezra 4:10, where it is written, "and the rest of the nations that the great and noble Asnapper deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates." This passage underscores his role in the Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, which had lasting effects on the demographics and political landscape of the region. Legacy and Impact Esar-Haddon's reign is characterized by both his military prowess and his contributions to Assyrian architecture and culture. He is credited with rebuilding Babylon, which had been destroyed by his father, and constructing the Esagila, a significant temple dedicated to the god Marduk. His efforts to restore Babylonian cities and temples were part of a broader strategy to legitimize his rule and placate the diverse populations within his empire. In the biblical narrative, Esar-Haddon's actions and policies had a profound impact on the history of Israel and Judah. His resettlement programs contributed to the ethnic and cultural diversity of the region, setting the stage for future interactions and conflicts. The legacy of his reign is a testament to the complex interplay between the great empires of the ancient Near East and the smaller kingdoms that lay within their sphere of influence. Esar-Haddon's story, as recorded in both biblical and extrabiblical sources, provides valuable insights into the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the enduring influence of Assyrian policies on the history of the biblical lands. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 4:2,10Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said to them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as you do; and we do sacrifice to him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up here. Nave's Topical Index Library Questions. Resources What is Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Church History (All) | GotQuestions.org Who was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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