Esar-Haddon, also known as Esarhaddon, was a king of Assyria who reigned from 681 to 669 BC. He was the son and successor of Sennacherib, one of the most notable Assyrian kings, and Naqi’a, a prominent queen. Esar-Haddon's ascension to the throne followed the assassination of his father, Sennacherib, an event recorded in the Bible and corroborated by historical sources.

Biblical References:

Esar-Haddon is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Assyrian empire's interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38, the Bible recounts the assassination of Sennacherib by his sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. Following this event, Esar-Haddon ascended to the throne: "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" (2 Kings 19:37).

Esar-Haddon is also mentioned in Ezra 4:2, where the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, claiming, "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" (Ezra 4:2). This reference highlights the Assyrian policy of relocating conquered peoples, a strategy employed by Esar-Haddon to maintain control over his vast empire.

Historical Context:

Esar-Haddon's reign was marked by significant military and architectural achievements. He is known for his campaigns against Egypt, which culminated in the conquest of Memphis in 671 BC. This victory extended Assyrian influence into Egypt, although it required constant military attention to maintain control over the region.

Esar-Haddon also focused on rebuilding and restoring cities within his empire, most notably Babylon, which had been destroyed by his father, Sennacherib. His efforts to restore Babylon were part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region and gain the favor of the Babylonian populace.

Legacy:

Esar-Haddon's reign is often seen as a period of consolidation and expansion for the Assyrian Empire. His policies of rebuilding and relocation were instrumental in maintaining the empire's stability. Despite the challenges he faced, including internal strife and external threats, Esar-Haddon managed to leave a legacy of a relatively stable and prosperous Assyrian state.

In summary, Esar-Haddon was a significant figure in the history of the ancient Near East, known for his military conquests, architectural projects, and efforts to maintain the cohesion of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is documented both in the Bible and in Assyrian records, providing a comprehensive view of his impact on the region.2 Kings 19:37
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
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Isaiah 37:38
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
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