Topical Encyclopedia Assyria, an ancient Mesopotamian empire, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a powerful nation that played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess, architectural achievements, and, notably, their religious practices, which were deeply rooted in idolatry.The Assyrian religion was polytheistic, characterized by the worship of a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Chief among these deities was Ashur, the national god, who was considered the divine protector of the Assyrian kings and the empire itself. The city of Assur, from which the god derived his name, was a central religious site, and the worship of Ashur was integral to the Assyrian identity. In addition to Ashur, the Assyrians worshiped a host of other deities, including Ishtar, the goddess of love and war; Nabu, the god of wisdom and writing; and Marduk, who was originally a Babylonian deity but was also revered in Assyria. The Assyrian kings often portrayed themselves as chosen by these gods, and their military campaigns were frequently justified as divinely sanctioned endeavors. The Bible provides several accounts of Assyrian idolatry and its impact on the Israelites. In 2 Kings 19:37 , the assassination of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, is described: "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." This passage highlights the Assyrian practice of worshiping in temples dedicated to their gods, a practice that was abhorrent to the monotheistic Israelites. The prophets of Israel often condemned the idolatry of Assyria and warned of its consequences. Isaiah, for instance, prophesied against the Assyrian empire, denouncing its pride and reliance on false gods. In Isaiah 10:5-11 , the prophet speaks of Assyria as the "rod of My anger," used by God to punish Israel but ultimately destined for judgment due to its arrogance and idolatry. The Assyrian influence on Israel and Judah was not limited to military conquests; it also posed a spiritual threat. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of their neighbors, including the Assyrians. In 2 Kings 17:7-12 , the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel is attributed to their idolatry and failure to heed the warnings of the prophets: "All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt... They worshiped other gods and followed the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before them." The Assyrian empire's emphasis on idolatry and its pantheon of gods stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic faith of Israel. The biblical narrative consistently portrays Assyria as a symbol of paganism and a reminder of the dangers of turning away from the worship of the one true God. Through the lens of Scripture, Assyria's idolatry serves as a cautionary tale for the people of God, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and the rejection of false gods. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 19:37And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Mongrel Religion A Kingdom's Epitaph The Judges. Divided Worship The Kingdom of Judah. Deuteronomy Judaism. Manasseh's Sin and Repentance Micah CHAPTER III. Resources What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | 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) |