Topical Bible: Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Ravaged Israel

◄ Assyria: Tiglathpileser King of Ravaged Israel ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul, was a prominent king of Assyria who reigned from 745 to 727 BC. His reign marked a significant period in the history of the ancient Near East, particularly concerning the Kingdom of Israel. Tiglath-Pileser III is noted for his military campaigns and administrative reforms, which expanded Assyrian influence and control over the region.

Historical Context and Rise to Power

Tiglath-Pileser III ascended to the throne during a time of internal strife and external threats to Assyria. His rise to power is often associated with a coup that ended the rule of the previous king, Ashur-nirari V. Once in power, Tiglath-Pileser III implemented sweeping reforms that strengthened the Assyrian military and centralized the administration, allowing for more efficient governance and resource mobilization.

Military Campaigns and Conquests

Tiglath-Pileser III is renowned for his military prowess and strategic acumen. He conducted numerous campaigns across the Near East, subjugating various kingdoms and expanding Assyrian territory. His conquests included regions such as Babylonia, Syria, and parts of Anatolia. However, his interactions with the Kingdom of Israel are of particular interest to biblical history.

Assyrian Invasion of Israel

The biblical narrative records Tiglath-Pileser III's involvement with Israel during the reigns of several Israelite kings. In 2 Kings 15:29 , it is noted: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he deported the people to Assyria." This passage highlights the Assyrian king's campaign against the northern kingdom, resulting in the annexation of significant territories and the deportation of its inhabitants.

Tiglath-Pileser III's intervention in Israelite affairs was not limited to military conquest. He also played a role in the political dynamics of the region. In 2 Kings 16:7-9 , King Ahaz of Judah sought Tiglath-Pileser's assistance against the coalition of Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel. Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser, saying, "I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me." In response, Tiglath-Pileser attacked Damascus, captured it, and executed Rezin, thereby altering the balance of power in the region.

Impact on Israel and Judah

The actions of Tiglath-Pileser III had profound implications for both Israel and Judah. His campaigns weakened the northern kingdom, leading to its eventual downfall and the Assyrian captivity of its people. The southern kingdom of Judah, while temporarily spared from destruction, became a vassal state under Assyrian dominance, paying tribute to avoid a similar fate.

Legacy and Biblical Significance

Tiglath-Pileser III's reign is a testament to the might and influence of the Assyrian Empire during the 8th century BC. His interactions with Israel and Judah are pivotal events in biblical history, illustrating the geopolitical realities faced by the Israelite kingdoms. The Assyrian king's campaigns fulfilled prophetic warnings about the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as seen in the writings of prophets like Hosea and Isaiah.

In summary, Tiglath-Pileser III's role as a formidable ruler of Assyria and his impact on the biblical narrative underscore the complex interplay between divine providence and historical events, as recorded in the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook