Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of its interactions with Israel and Judah. The prophets of the Old Testament delivered several predictions concerning the destruction of Assyria, emphasizing divine judgment against its pride, cruelty, and idolatry.

Isaiah's Prophecies

The prophet Isaiah foretold the downfall of Assyria, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations. In Isaiah 10:12-19, the Lord declares His intention to punish the king of Assyria for his arrogance and boasts. The passage illustrates Assyria as an instrument of God's wrath against a godless nation, yet it also assures that Assyria itself will face judgment: "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'" (Isaiah 10:12).

Isaiah 14:24-27 further emphasizes the certainty of Assyria's destruction, as decreed by the Lord of Hosts. The prophecy assures that God's purpose will stand, and His hand will be stretched out against Assyria, ensuring its downfall.

Nahum's Oracle

The book of Nahum is a vivid oracle against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Nahum prophesies the complete and utter destruction of the city, portraying it as a consequence of Assyria's violence and deceit. Nahum 1:14 declares, "The LORD has issued a command concerning you, Nineveh: 'There will be no descendants to carry on your name. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols in the house of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible'" .

Nahum 3:1-7 graphically describes the impending ruin of Nineveh, emphasizing the city's bloodshed and lies. The prophecy assures that Nineveh's destruction will be so complete that it will become a spectacle for all who pass by.

Zephaniah's Warning

The prophet Zephaniah also speaks of Assyria's downfall, specifically targeting Nineveh. In Zephaniah 2:13-15, the Lord's judgment is pronounced: "And He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria, leaving Nineveh utterly desolate and dry as the desert" . The passage underscores the desolation that will befall Nineveh, transforming it into a place of ruin and desolation.

Ezekiel's Lament

Ezekiel 31 presents a lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt, using Assyria as a cautionary example. The chapter recounts Assyria's former glory and its subsequent fall, serving as a warning to other nations. Ezekiel 31:3-14 describes Assyria as a mighty cedar in Lebanon, ultimately brought down by the Lord due to its pride and haughtiness.

Historical Fulfillment

The biblical predictions concerning Assyria's destruction were historically fulfilled when Nineveh fell to a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians in 612 BC. This event marked the end of Assyria's dominance and served as a testament to the accuracy of the prophetic declarations found in Scripture. The ruins of Nineveh remain a testament to the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, underscoring the biblical theme of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over the nations.Isaiah 10:12-19
Why it shall come to pass, that when the Lord has performed his whole work on mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 14:24,25
The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:31-33
For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 31:8,9
Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 10:11
And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... Among these predictions, those in Isaiah 29:1 ... time, constantly at war with Assyria;
and the ... upon several interesting critical inquiries respecting the component ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

Debate on the Proposed Invasion of Greece.
... of India, of Egypt, of Ethiopia, and of Assyria, and that ... Mardonius was nearly right
in his predictions, since it ... it is to know the story respecting them, which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iii debate on the.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... which shall be left, from Assyria; like as ... should rest on some unfulfilled predictions
which his ... are two questions, especially, respecting which interpreters ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... reign by Sennacherib, king of Assyria (chaps.36 ... some very remarkable revelations
respecting the time ... Both also contain predictions, the exact interpretation of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... of God." But the exile in Assyria follows and ... and a false prophetess; but when my
predictions shall be ... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... and New Testaments are not so much predictions of what ... raise an argument at this
point respecting the believer's ... cut off nations not a few." Assyria's king had ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... 10:11: "And the pride of Assyria shall [Pg ... have not here before us any special
predictions, such as ... In Numbers 2.regulations are laid down respecting the order ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and of Judah: the siege and destruction of Jerusalem ... ornate ever built by the rulers
of Assyria. ... with provincial governors, augural predictions, consultation of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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