Topical Encyclopedia Nineveh, the ancient Assyrian city, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. It was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, one of the most powerful empires of the ancient Near East. The city is mentioned prominently in the Bible, particularly in the books of Jonah and Nahum, where it is depicted as a great and populous city.Biblical Description and Size The Book of Jonah provides a vivid description of Nineveh's size and importance. Jonah 3:3 states, "Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey to cross." This description suggests that Nineveh was not only vast in terms of its physical size but also significant in its influence and power. The phrase "a three-day journey" is often interpreted to mean the time it would take to walk across the city, indicating its extensive urban sprawl. Historical and Archaeological Insights Historically, Nineveh was located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, in what is now modern-day Mosul, Iraq. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the city was surrounded by an impressive wall, approximately 7.5 miles in circumference, with fifteen gates. These fortifications underscore the city's importance as a center of power and its need for defense against potential invaders. The city reached its zenith under the reign of King Sennacherib (705–681 BC), who expanded its boundaries and enhanced its infrastructure. Sennacherib's extensive building projects included the construction of a magnificent palace, known as the "Palace Without Rival," and the development of an intricate system of canals and aqueducts to supply the city with water. Population and Influence Nineveh's population during its peak is estimated to have been in the hundreds of thousands, making it one of the largest cities of its time. The city's influence extended far beyond its walls, as it was a hub of commerce, culture, and political power. The Assyrian Empire, with Nineveh at its heart, exerted control over a vast region, including parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Prophetic Significance The biblical prophets, particularly Jonah and Nahum, highlight Nineveh's moral and spiritual condition. Jonah's mission to Nineveh underscores God's concern for the city and its inhabitants, calling them to repentance. Jonah 4:11 reflects God's compassion: "And should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?" In contrast, the Book of Nahum prophesies Nineveh's downfall due to its wickedness and violence. Nahum 3:1 declares, "Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey." This prophecy was fulfilled when Nineveh fell to a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians in 612 BC, marking the end of the Assyrian Empire. Legacy Nineveh's legacy endures through its biblical narrative and archaeological remains. The city's rise and fall serve as a testament to the transient nature of human power and the enduring sovereignty of God. Its account continues to be a subject of study and reflection for scholars, theologians, and believers alike. Nave's Topical Index Jonah 3:4And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. Nave's Topical Index Library Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... The Twelve Minor Prophets. Ephesians iv. 4 "Come Thou and all Thy House into the Ark. " A Question for Communicants On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... Letter clxiv. (AD 414. ) Concerning the Sacrament of Penance All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises. Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Resources Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org Why was Jonah angry that the Ninevites repented (Jonah 4:1-2)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Nineveh: Called the Bloody City Nineveh: Capitol of the Assyrian Empire Nineveh: Destruction of, Averted Nineveh: Full of Joy and Carelessness Nineveh: Full of Lies and Robbery Nineveh: Inhabitants of, Repented at Jonah's Preaching Nineveh: Jonah Sent to Proclaim the Destruction of Nineveh: Nahum Prophesies Against Nineveh: Origin and Antiquity of Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Being Taken While People Were Drunk Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Captivity of Its People Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Coming up of the Babylonish Armies Against Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Complete Desolation Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Degradation and Contempt Put On Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Its Idols Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Its People Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Feebleness of Its People Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Spoiling of Its Treasures Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Utter Destruction Nineveh: Situated on the River Tigris Nineveh: The Ancient Capital of Assyria Nineveh: Zephaniah Foretells the Desolation of Related Terms |
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