Lives of Scripture
Assyria
First named: Genesis 10:11
A powerful Mesopotamian empire that became the northern kingdom of Israel's chief threat, exacting tribute under kings like Tiglath-pileser and Shalmaneser before finally conquering and deporting Israel's population in 722 BC under Sargon (2 Kings 15:19-20; 17:1-6). Assyria under Sennacherib also besieged Jerusalem in Hezekiah's reign, only to withdraw after God struck down the Assyrian army (2 Kings 18-19). Jonah was sent to preach repentance to Assyria's capital, Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-2).
References: Genesis 10:11; 2 Kings 15:19-20; 2 Kings 17:1-6; 2 Kings 18-19
People connected to Assyria
- Esarhaddon (M) — its king, who resettled foreign peoples in Samaria
Ezra 4:2
- Osnappar (M) — its king, credited with deporting peoples and resettling them in Samaria
Ezra 4:10
- Sargon (M) — its king, whose commander captured Ashdod
Isaiah 20:1
- Sennacherib (M) — its king, who besieged Jerusalem and lost 185,000 troops in a night
2 Kings 19:35-36
- Shalmaneser (M) — its king, who besieged Samaria and exiled the northern tribes
2 Kings 17:3-6
- Tiglath-pileser (M) — its king, who deported northern Israel and was bribed by Ahaz
2 Kings 15:29; 2 Kings 16:7-9