Topical Encyclopedia Conquest of HaranHaran, also known as Charran in the New Testament, is a significant location in biblical history. It is first mentioned in Genesis as the place where Terah, the father of Abram (later Abraham), settled with his family after leaving Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31). Haran is situated in the region of Paddan Aram, which is in modern-day southeastern Turkey. It served as a major center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the ancient trade routes. The city of Haran is notably associated with the patriarchs of Israel. After the death of Terah, Abram received God's call to leave Haran and journey to the land of Canaan, which would become the Promised Land for his descendants (Genesis 12:1-4). Haran is also the place where Jacob, Abram's grandson, fled to escape the wrath of his brother Esau. Jacob lived in Haran for many years, working for his uncle Laban and marrying Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29-31). In the context of biblical prophecy and history, Haran is mentioned in the narratives concerning the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians, known for their military prowess and expansionist policies, conquered many regions, including Haran. The conquest of Haran by the Assyrians is alluded to in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah, for instance, references the fall of various cities and regions to the Assyrian king, which would have included Haran (Isaiah 37:12). King of Assyria The Assyrian Empire, under its powerful kings, played a significant role in the history of the ancient Near East. The kings of Assyria, such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, and Sennacherib, were known for their campaigns of conquest and their impact on the nations surrounding Israel and Judah. The biblical narrative often portrays the Assyrian kings as instruments of God's judgment against the nations, including Israel and Judah, due to their disobedience and idolatry. One of the most notable interactions between the Assyrian kings and the biblical narrative is the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and his eventual defeat are seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and protection over His people. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event, highlighting the faith of King Hezekiah and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem: "Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!" (Isaiah 37:36). The Assyrian conquest of Haran and other regions serves as a backdrop to the unfolding account of God's covenant with His people. Despite the rise and fall of empires, the biblical narrative emphasizes God's ultimate authority and His plan for redemption through the lineage of Abraham, which began in places like Haran. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:12Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar? Nave's Topical Index Resources What is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Abraham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Terah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Haran: Also Called Charran: A Place in Mesopotamia to Which Terah and Abraham Migrated Haran: Also Called Charran: Abraham Leaves, by Divine Command Haran: Also Called Charran: Conquest of, King of Assyria Haran: Also Called Charran: Death of Terah At Haran: Also Called Charran: Idolatry In Haran: Also Called Charran: Jacob Flees To Haran: Also Called Charran: Merchants of Haran: Also Called Charran: Returns From, With Rachel and Leah Haran: Father of Lot and Brother of Abraham Related Terms |
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