Assyrian Threat and Intimidation
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The Assyrian Threat and Intimidation refers to the period in biblical history when the Assyrian Empire posed a significant military and political threat to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This era is marked by a series of invasions, sieges, and demands for tribute, which are documented in various books of the Old Testament. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and brutal tactics, sought to expand its territory and influence, often employing intimidation to subdue neighboring nations.

Historical Context

The Assyrian Empire reached its zenith during the 8th and 7th centuries BC, under the reigns of powerful kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon. The empire's expansionist policies brought it into direct conflict with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The biblical narrative highlights the Assyrians' role as instruments of divine judgment against the Israelites for their idolatry and disobedience.

Assyrian Invasions

1. Tiglath-Pileser III: The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III is noted for his campaigns against Israel and Judah. In 2 Kings 15:29, he captured several cities in the northern kingdom of Israel, including Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, and Gilead, leading to the deportation of many Israelites.

2. Shalmaneser V and the Fall of Samaria: Shalmaneser V laid siege to Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. The siege lasted three years, culminating in the city's fall in 722 BC. 2 Kings 17:6 records, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria."

3. Sennacherib's Campaign against Judah: Sennacherib's invasion of Judah is one of the most documented events in the Bible concerning Assyrian aggression. In 701 BC, Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian king sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to deliver a message of intimidation to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:19-25. The Rabshakeh mocked their reliance on Egypt and questioned their trust in the LORD, attempting to demoralize the inhabitants.

Divine Intervention and Deliverance

Despite the overwhelming threat posed by the Assyrians, the Bible records instances of divine intervention on behalf of the Israelites. In the case of Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem, King Hezekiah sought the LORD's help through prayer and the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. In response, God delivered Jerusalem by sending an angel to strike down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, as described in 2 Kings 19:35: "That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians."

Prophetic Warnings and Messages

The prophets of Israel and Judah, including Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, frequently warned of the Assyrian threat as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness to God. Isaiah, in particular, prophesied about the Assyrian invasion and the eventual deliverance of Judah. Isaiah 10:5-6 portrays Assyria as the "rod of My anger," used by God to chastise His people, yet also foretells Assyria's downfall due to its arrogance and pride.

Legacy and Impact

The Assyrian Threat and Intimidation left a lasting impact on the biblical narrative and the history of Israel and Judah. The fall of the northern kingdom of Israel and the deportation of its people marked a significant turning point, leading to the dispersion of the ten tribes. For Judah, the Assyrian invasions served as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience, while also demonstrating God's power to save and protect His faithful remnant. The events surrounding the Assyrian threat underscore the themes of judgment, repentance, and divine sovereignty that permeate the biblical text.
Subtopics

Assyrian

Assyrian and Babylonian Libraries

Related Terms

Assyrian (18 Occurrences)

Library

Tirhakah (2 Occurrences)

Doted (6 Occurrences)

Habakkuk (3 Occurrences)

Omri (16 Occurrences)

Neighbours (34 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Damascus (58 Occurrences)

Kir (11 Occurrences)

Chaldea (8 Occurrences)

Gomer (7 Occurrences)

Eden (19 Occurrences)

Eighty-five (4 Occurrences)

Abednego (14 Occurrences)

Abed-nego (14 Occurrences)

Assur (2 Occurrences)

Aholah (4 Occurrences)

Shoa (2 Occurrences)

Sherghat

Elamites (2 Occurrences)

Prostitution (48 Occurrences)

Elam (24 Occurrences)

Mounted (32 Occurrences)

Riding (30 Occurrences)

Shushan (19 Occurrences)

Warriors (75 Occurrences)

Benhadad (24 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Bethel (67 Occurrences)

Desirable (49 Occurrences)

Siege (63 Occurrences)

Neighbors (40 Occurrences)

Philistines (224 Occurrences)

Hittites (39 Occurrences)

Governors (43 Occurrences)

Isaiah (64 Occurrences)

Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)

Lovers (57 Occurrences)

Captivity (141 Occurrences)

Magician (5 Occurrences)

Chaldeans (82 Occurrences)

Taxing (3 Occurrences)

Played (50 Occurrences)

Magic (12 Occurrences)

Babylonians (48 Occurrences)

Tax (43 Occurrences)

Asshur (133 Occurrences)

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)

Semites

Semitic

Prostitute (83 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Handsome (15 Occurrences)

Hamath (36 Occurrences)

Boats (11 Occurrences)

Queen (59 Occurrences)

Ko'a (1 Occurrence)

Kedesh (12 Occurrences)

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

Koa (1 Occurrence)

Naphtali (51 Occurrences)

Nabathaeans

Neighbouring (11 Occurrences)

No (18543 Occurrences)

Nob (6 Occurrences)

Nabataeans

Nehelamite (4 Occurrences)

Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)

Nanaea

Nergal (3 Occurrences)

Unsatiable (1 Occurrence)

Orontes

Oholah (4 Occurrences)

Overthrew (17 Occurrences)

Oho'lah (4 Occurrences)

Japheth (12 Occurrences)

Jareb (2 Occurrences)

Assyrian Threat and Blasphemy
Top of Page
Top of Page