Topical Encyclopedia Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of its interactions with Israel and Judah. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency, was ruled by a series of powerful kings and officials who played significant roles in biblical history.Tiglath-Pileser III (Pul): Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul, is one of the most notable Assyrian kings mentioned in the Bible. He reigned from 745 to 727 BC and is credited with expanding the Assyrian Empire and implementing significant administrative reforms. In 2 Kings 15:19, it is recorded, "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver so that his hand might be with him to strengthen his own hold on the kingdom." This passage highlights the tribute paid by Menahem, king of Israel, to secure his reign, illustrating the influence and power of Tiglath-Pileser III. Shalmaneser V: Shalmaneser V, who reigned from 727 to 722 BC, is another Assyrian king mentioned in the Bible. He is noted for his siege of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In 2 Kings 17:3-6, it is written, "Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired... So the king of Assyria arrested him and put him in prison." Shalmaneser's actions led to the eventual fall of Samaria and the exile of the Israelites. Sargon II: Sargon II succeeded Shalmaneser V and completed the conquest of Samaria. Although not directly named in the Bible, his reign is implied in the continuation of Assyrian dominance over Israel. Isaiah 20:1 references his campaign against Ashdod, stating, "In the year that the Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and captured it." Sennacherib: Sennacherib, who reigned from 705 to 681 BC, is perhaps the most famous Assyrian king in biblical accounts due to his campaign against Judah. In 2 Kings 18:13, it is recorded, "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them." His siege of Jerusalem is a significant event, where, according to 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal. Esarhaddon: Esarhaddon, the son of Sennacherib, reigned from 681 to 669 BC. He is mentioned in 2 Kings 19:37, where it is noted that after Sennacherib's assassination, "Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place." Esarhaddon continued to expand Assyrian influence, including campaigns into Egypt. Ashurbanipal: Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, Ashurbanipal, who reigned from 669 to 627 BC, is known for his vast library at Nineveh and his role in maintaining Assyrian dominance. His reign represents the zenith of Assyrian cultural and military power. The chief men of Assyria, as described in the Bible, were instrumental in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Their interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are pivotal in understanding the historical and prophetic narratives of the Scriptures. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 23:6,12,23Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Babylonia and Assyria The Figurative Language of Scripture. Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Earlier Hebrew Histories. "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Palestine under Pagan Kings. Resources Who was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why were infants dashed to pieces (Nahum 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Assyria: Alliances With, Sought by Judah and Israel Assyria: An Empire Founded by Nimrod Assyria: Antiquity and Origin of Assyria: Army of, Destroyed by the Angel of the Lord Assyria: As a Power, Was: An Instrument of God's Vengeance Assyria: As a Power, Was: Cruel and Destructive Assyria: As a Power, Was: Intolerant and Oppressive Assyria: As a Power, Was: Most Formidable Assyria: As a Power, Was: Proud and Haughty Assyria: As a Power, Was: Selfish and Reserved Assyria: As a Power, Was: Unfaithful Assyria: Called: The Land of Nimrod Assyria: Celebrated For: Extensive Commerce Assyria: Celebrated For: Extent of Conquests Assyria: Celebrated For: Fertility Assyria: Chief Men of, Described Assyria: Condemned for Oppressing God's People Assyria: Idolatry of, Brought Into Samaria Assyria: Idolatry, the Religion of Assyria: Invaded by Pharaoh-Necho Assyria: Israel Condemned for Trusting To Assyria: Israelites Carried Captive Into Assyria: Israelites Subject To Assyria: It Extended from East of the Tigris Assyria: Its Armies Invade the Land of Israel Under Pul Assyria: Jews Carried Captive To Assyria: Judah Condemned for Trusting To Assyria: Manasseh Taken Captive To Assyria: Nineveh, Chief City of Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest and Captivity of Israel By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest of Syria By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest of the Kenites By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Invasion of Judah By Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Participation in the Blessings of the Gospel Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of Israel From Assyria: Prophecies Concerning Assyria: Prophecies of Captivity of Israelites In Assyria: Pul King of Brought off by Menahem Assyria: Pul King of Invaded Israel Assyria: Sennacherib King of Assassinated by his Sons Assyria: Sennacherib King of Blasphemed the Lord Assyria: Sennacherib King of Bought off by Hezekiah Assyria: Sennacherib King of His Army Destroyed by God Assyria: Sennacherib King of Insulted and Threatened Judah Assyria: Sennacherib King of Invaded Judah Assyria: Sennacherib King of Prayed Against by Hezekiah Assyria: Sennacherib King of Reproved for Pride and Blasphemy Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Carried Israel Captive Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Imprisoned Hoshea Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Reduced Israel to Tribute Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Re-Peopled Samaria from Assyria Assyria: Shalmaneser King of Was Conspired Against by Hoshea Assyria: Situated Beyond the Euphrates Assyria: The Greatness, Extent, Duration, and Fall, Illustrated Assyria: The Jews Condemned for Following the Idolatries of Assyria: The Re-Peopling of Samaria From, Completed by Asnappar Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Asked to Aid Ahaz Against Syria Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Conquered Syria Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Ravaged Israel Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Took Money from Ahaz, But Strengthened Him Not Assyria: Watered by the River Tigris Related Terms Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences) Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) Tig'lath-pile'ser (3 Occurrences) Tillegath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences) |