Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Judah, under various kings, faced the temptation to rely on Assyria for military and political support, a decision that was repeatedly condemned by the prophets and seen as a lack of faith in Yahweh.

Historical Context

Assyria rose to power in the 9th century BC, becoming a formidable force in the region. Its capital, Nineveh, was a symbol of its might and influence. The Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess and its policy of deporting conquered peoples, which it used to maintain control over its vast territories.

Judah's Reliance on Assyria

During the reign of King Ahaz (circa 735-715 BC), Judah faced threats from the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram (Syria). In response, Ahaz sought the aid of Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, rather than trusting in the Lord. This alliance is recorded in 2 Kings 16:7-9, where Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser, saying, "I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who are rising up against me." This act of seeking Assyrian help was seen as a betrayal of trust in God.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets Isaiah and Hosea were vocal critics of Judah's reliance on foreign powers, particularly Assyria. Isaiah warned against alliances with Assyria, emphasizing that such reliance would lead to disaster. In Isaiah 30:1-3 , the prophet declares, "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without consulting Me, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shadow your disgrace."

Hosea also condemned the northern kingdom of Israel for its reliance on Assyria, which serves as a parallel warning to Judah. In Hosea 5:13 , the prophet states, "When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king for help. But he is unable to cure you or heal your wound."

Consequences of Trusting Assyria

The reliance on Assyria ultimately led to negative consequences for Judah. While Assyria initially provided military assistance, it later became a threat to Judah's sovereignty. The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, laying siege to Jerusalem. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 18-19, where Hezekiah, unlike his predecessor, turned to the Lord for deliverance, and God miraculously saved Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat.

Theological Implications

Judah's trust in Assyria is a recurring theme that highlights the broader biblical principle of reliance on God rather than human powers. The prophets consistently called the people back to faithfulness, urging them to trust in Yahweh alone for their security and prosperity. This theme is echoed throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing that true deliverance and protection come from God, not from alliances with worldly powers.Jeremiah 2:18,36
And now what have you to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what have you to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah and Deuteronomy. (Chs. vii, viii. 8, xi. )
... Witchcraft and necromancy are utterly condemned. ... 3. Hear ye the Word of the Lord,
all Judah!(281) Thus ... is the same word) in the Baals or in Egypt and Assyria. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 jeremiah and deuteronomy chs.htm

Words to Rest On
... afraid or dismayed for the King of Assyria, nor for ... upon the words of Hezekiah the
king of Judah.". ... rest upon his finished work, how canst thou be condemned? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/words to rest on.htm

Egypt
... endeavoured in vain to play off Assyria against Egypt ... to the support of Egypt, Zedekiah
of Judah revolted from ... they were found wanting, he was condemned to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... But what a blind, condemned creature are you, who, with ... pertinent examples of the
kings of Judah and Israel ... kings of Egypt, Syria, Babylon and Assyria, and thus ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... them or on their predecessors had condemned them, allowed ... had been compelled to return
to Assyria without having ... or even carrying it by storm, Judah had taken ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... defenders:"some of its garrison were condemned to the ... recognized the nominal suzerainty
of Assyria, but refused ... Shadadu, the Prince of Sukhi, trusting in his ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Zab, in the mountains on the east of Assyria. ... a convict prison, where ordinary criminals,
condemned to mutilation and ... part of the tribe of Judah; while Hincks ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. ... for we know that
the people of Judah aided the ... who, having put out his eyes, condemned him to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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

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