The title "King of Assyria" refers to the monarchs who ruled the ancient Assyrian Empire, a dominant Mesopotamian kingdom known for its military prowess and significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. The Assyrian Empire, at its height, extended over much of the Near East, including parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. The kings of Assyria are frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of their interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Tiglath-Pileser III (Pul)

Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul, is one of the first Assyrian kings mentioned in the Bible. He reigned from 745 to 727 BC and is noted for his military campaigns and administrative reforms that strengthened Assyria. In 2 Kings 15:19, Pul is mentioned as having come against the land of Israel during the reign of Menahem, who paid him a tribute to secure his support: "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom."

Shalmaneser V

Shalmaneser V, who reigned from 727 to 722 BC, is known for his siege of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This siege is recorded in 2 Kings 17:3-6, where it is noted that Hoshea, the last king of Israel, became a vassal of Shalmaneser but later rebelled. The Assyrian king responded by capturing Samaria and deporting the Israelites, leading to the fall of the Northern Kingdom: "Then the king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years."

Sargon II

Sargon II succeeded Shalmaneser V and reigned from 722 to 705 BC. Although not directly named in the Bible, he is believed to have completed the conquest of Samaria. Isaiah 20:1 mentions Sargon in the context of his campaign against Ashdod: "In the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, went to Ashdod and attacked and captured it."

Sennacherib

Sennacherib, who reigned from 705 to 681 BC, is one of the most prominent Assyrian kings in the biblical narrative. He is best known for his campaign against Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. In 2 Kings 18-19, Sennacherib's invasion is detailed, including his siege of Jerusalem. The Bible records a miraculous event where an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal: "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!" (2 Kings 19:35).

Esarhaddon

Esarhaddon, the son of Sennacherib, reigned from 681 to 669 BC. He is mentioned in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38, where it is noted that he succeeded his father after Sennacherib was assassinated by his own sons: "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place."

Assurbanipal

Though not mentioned directly in the Bible, Assurbanipal (reigned 669–627 BC) is known for his extensive library at Nineveh, which has provided valuable insights into Assyrian culture and history. His reign marked the zenith of Assyrian power, but also the beginning of its decline.

The kings of Assyria played a significant role in the biblical narrative, often serving as instruments of God's judgment against the nations of Israel and Judah for their disobedience. Their interactions with the Israelites highlight themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings.