Assyria: As a Power, Was: Intolerant and Oppressive
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Assyria, an ancient Mesopotamian empire, is frequently depicted in the Bible as a dominant and oppressive force. Its capital, Nineveh, became synonymous with cruelty and tyranny, reflecting the empire's reputation for harshness and intolerance. The Assyrian Empire, at its zenith, extended its influence over a vast region, including the lands of Israel and Judah, and is often portrayed in the Scriptures as an instrument of divine judgment against the nations, including God's own people.

The Assyrian approach to conquest and governance was marked by brutality and a systematic policy of deportation and assimilation. This is evident in the biblical narrative of the Northern Kingdom of Israel's fall. In 2 Kings 17:6 , it is recorded, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes." This act of deportation was a common Assyrian tactic designed to prevent rebellion by displacing conquered peoples and eradicating their cultural and national identities.

The prophet Isaiah provides a vivid portrayal of Assyria's arrogance and oppressive nature. In Isaiah 10:5-7 , the Lord refers to Assyria as "the rod of My anger," using them as a tool to execute judgment. However, the passage also highlights Assyria's own intentions: "But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations." This underscores the empire's inherent desire for domination and destruction, beyond merely serving as an instrument of divine wrath.

Assyria's oppressive nature is further illustrated in the account of King Sennacherib's invasion of Judah. In 2 Kings 18:13-14 , it is noted, "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish: 'I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me.'" This passage highlights the heavy tribute imposed by Assyria, a common practice to subjugate and economically exploit conquered territories.

The prophet Nahum also speaks to the oppressive nature of Assyria, particularly focusing on Nineveh. Nahum 3:1 declares, "Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey." This vivid imagery captures the essence of Assyria's reputation as a ruthless and deceitful power, characterized by its relentless pursuit of conquest and exploitation.

Despite its might, the Bible also foretells Assyria's downfall as a consequence of its arrogance and oppression. In Isaiah 10:12 , it is prophesied, "When the Lord has finished all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, 'I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.'" This prophecy underscores the biblical theme that no empire, regardless of its power, is beyond the reach of divine justice.

In summary, Assyria is depicted in the Bible as an intolerant and oppressive power, used by God as an instrument of judgment but ultimately held accountable for its own pride and cruelty. Its legacy, as recorded in the Scriptures, serves as a testament to the consequences of unchecked ambition and tyranny.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Nahum 3:19
There is no healing of your bruise; your wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of you shall clap the hands over you: for on whom has not your wickedness passed continually?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Resources
Who was King Hoshea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Nineveh destroyed? | GotQuestions.org

What is British Israelism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Assyria

Assyria: Alliances With, Sought by Judah and Israel

Assyria: An Empire Founded by Nimrod

Assyria: Antiquity and Origin of

Assyria: Armies of, Described

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: Asshur

Assyria: Called: Shinar

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: Commerce of

Assyria: Condemned for Oppressing God's People

Assyria: Governed by Kings

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: Possibly to Egypt

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: Productiveness of

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

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

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: Tiglath

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

Assyria's (1 Occurrence)

Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences)

Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences)

Rab'shakeh (14 Occurrences)

Rab-shakeh (14 Occurrences)

Sennach'erib (13 Occurrences)

Assyrian (18 Occurrences)

Deported (12 Occurrences)

Ashurbanipal (1 Occurrence)

Rabshakeh (15 Occurrences)

Nimrod (4 Occurrences)

Gozan (5 Occurrences)

Halah (4 Occurrences)

Asshur (133 Occurrences)

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)

Shalmaneser (3 Occurrences)

Chaldeans (82 Occurrences)

Assur (2 Occurrences)

Exile (101 Occurrences)

Menahem (8 Occurrences)

Habor (3 Occurrences)

Sherghat

Esarhaddon (3 Occurrences)

Assyrians (15 Occurrences)

Medes (15 Occurrences)

Chaldea (8 Occurrences)

Pekah (11 Occurrences)

Jareb (2 Occurrences)

Immanuel (3 Occurrences)

Tig'lath-pile'ser (3 Occurrences)

Tillegath-pilneser (3 Occurrences)

Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences)

Tilgath (3 Occurrences)

Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences)

Tiglath (3 Occurrences)

Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences)

Trustest (8 Occurrences)

Tartan (2 Occurrences)

Rehoboth-ir (1 Occurrence)

Rab-saris (3 Occurrences)

Rabsaris (3 Occurrences)

Exacted (9 Occurrences)

Pileser (3 Occurrences)

Pul (3 Occurrences)

Pilneser (3 Occurrences)

Sargon (1 Occurrence)

Withdrew (55 Occurrences)

Rely (31 Occurrences)

Placing (44 Occurrences)

Marched (51 Occurrences)

Lachish (22 Occurrences)

Persuade (20 Occurrences)

Nebo (13 Occurrences)

Janoah (3 Occurrences)

Lud (10 Occurrences)

Ludim (3 Occurrences)

Ijon (3 Occurrences)

Invaded (20 Occurrences)

Reubenite (16 Occurrences)

Rezin (11 Occurrences)

Rehobothir

Envoys (16 Occurrences)

Men'ahem (8 Occurrences)

Besieged (34 Occurrences)

Bargain (7 Occurrences)

Basing (7 Occurrences)

Conspiracy (17 Occurrences)

Astoreth

Acco (2 Occurrences)

Abel-beth-maacah (2 Occurrences)

Asherah (40 Occurrences)

Astarte (2 Occurrences)

Ashtoreth (3 Occurrences)

Sharezer (5 Occurrences)

Shalman (1 Occurrence)

Judith (1 Occurrence)

Carchemish (3 Occurrences)

Prisoners (170 Occurrences)

Assyria: As a Power, Was: Cruel and Destructive
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