Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. Known for its military prowess and expansive conquests, Assyria was a formidable force during the biblical era. One of the notable interactions between Assyria and the Kingdom of Judah involves King Manasseh, who was taken captive to Assyria, an event that marked a pivotal moment in his reign and spiritual journey.

Historical Context

Assyria's influence over the region was at its peak during the reigns of powerful kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon. The empire's capital cities, including Nineveh and Ashur, were centers of political and cultural activity. Assyria's interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were often characterized by conflict, tribute demands, and political alliances.

Manasseh's Reign

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, ascended to the throne of Judah around 697 BC and reigned for 55 years, one of the longest reigns of any Judean king. His reign is noted for its departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah. Manasseh is described in the biblical narrative as having done "evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:2), engaging in idolatry, and leading Judah into practices that provoked the LORD's anger.

Captivity in Assyria

The biblical account of Manasseh's captivity is found in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13. The passage describes how the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. Consequently, the LORD allowed the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria to capture Manasseh. He was taken with hooks, bound with bronze shackles, and carried off to Babylon, which was under Assyrian control at the time.

"Then the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. So the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon." (2 Chronicles 33:10-11)

Repentance and Restoration

While in captivity, Manasseh experienced a profound transformation. In his distress, he sought the favor of the LORD, humbled himself greatly, and prayed to God. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem and his kingdom. This act of divine mercy led Manasseh to recognize the LORD as the true God.

"And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty, heard his plea, and brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God." (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

Significance

Manasseh's captivity and subsequent repentance highlight the themes of divine judgment and mercy. His account serves as a testament to the possibility of redemption and the power of sincere repentance. Despite his earlier transgressions, Manasseh's return to the LORD and his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah demonstrate the enduring hope for reconciliation with God, even for those who have strayed far from His commandments.

The Assyrian captivity of Manasseh underscores the geopolitical realities of the time, where the might of empires like Assyria could dramatically impact the lives and reigns of local kings. It also reflects the biblical narrative's emphasis on the sovereignty of God over nations and rulers, using even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes and bring about spiritual renewal.2 Chronicles 33:11
Why the LORD brought on them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Assyrian Captivity
... then king of Israel, was not taken captive, but was ... twenty years, Tiglath-pileser,
king of Assyria, invaded Israel ... and the half tribe of Manasseh," with others ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... Nay, a judgment had already taken place in Judah; for Manasseh, his grandfather ... The
king of Egypt came up against the king of Assyria through the land of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

A Loving Call to Reunion
... Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they ... of Israel.2. For
the king had taken counsel, and ... of the hand of the kings of Assyria.7. And be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a loving call to reunion.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... Meanwhile the king had taken "counsel with his princes ... a truth, Lord, the kings of
Assyria have destroyed ... Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up Thy ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the inhabitants who had escaped being carried away captive, together with such as
had taken refuge in ... his cause reached him even from Assyria, and Nineveh ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Nineveh.
... were thenceforth subjects, paying tribute to the King of Assyria, and Manasseh was
only a ... all his wives, slaves, and treasures, rather than be taken by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... Esar-haddon had dealt leniently with Manasseh of Judah. ... the Medes, had overrun and
ravaged Assyria and Mesopotamia ... who had concealed himself, was taken prisoner ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... Hezekiah's reign by Sennacherib, king of Assyria (chaps.36 ... worse under such kings
as Manasseh and Amon ... year, Daniel with his three companions was taken captive. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... The Bible had indeed taken a strong leap forward now! ... Samaria was captured by Sargon,
king of Assyria, in 722 ... these exiles was a man named Manasseh, a grandson ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Ahab When He Had Taken Jezebel To Wife Became More ... War; And How Tiglath-Pileser,
King Of Assyria Came To ... 4. How Amon Reigned Instead Of Manasseh; And After ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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