Assyria plays a significant role in biblical history and prophecy. Today, we will look at what Scripture reveals about this ancient nation and the lessons it holds for us.
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What Does The Bible Say About Assyria
Genesis 10:11
“From that land he went to Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah”
This verse mentions the founding of Assyria and its prominent cities by Nimrod, a descendant of Noah’s son Ham. It establishes Assyria as an ancient civilization with a rich history.
Genesis 2:14
“The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.”
This verse indicates that the Tigris River flowed through Ashur, which is associated with the beginnings of Assyria. It highlights the geographical significance of the region in relation to rivers.
Isaiah 20:1
“In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it”
This verse describes the conquest of the city of Ashdod by the Assyrian forces under the command of Sargon. It showcases Assyria’s military might and expansionist ambitions.
Isaiah 7:17
“The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”
Here, the prophet Isaiah warns King Ahaz of Judah about the impending invasion of the Assyrians as a divine punishment for his unfaithfulness. It foreshadows the coming threat from Assyria.
2 Kings 19:35
“That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!”
This verse recounts how God miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian army by striking down a vast number of soldiers. It portrays God’s power and protection of His people.
2 Kings 18:13
“In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them.”
Here, the Assyrian king Sennacherib invades and conquers the fortified cities of Judah. It demonstrates Assyria’s aggression towards its neighboring kingdoms.
Jonah 1:2
“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me.”
This verse portrays God instructing the prophet Jonah to deliver a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh. It highlights Assyria’s capital as a city with deep moral corruption.
Nahum 3:1
“Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!”
In this verse, the prophet Nahum denounces the city of Nineveh for its violence, deceit, and exploitation. It emphasizes the moral decay of Assyria’s capital.
2 Chronicles 33:11
“So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.”
This verse describes the punishment inflicted on King Manasseh of Judah by the Assyrian forces. It illustrates the power of Assyria and its ability to subdue rival kingdoms.
Hosea 11:5
“Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?”
Here, the prophet Hosea predicts the future exile and subjugation of Israel by the Assyrians as a consequence of their refusal to seek forgiveness from God. It underscores Assyria’s role as an instrument of divine judgment.
Isaiah 10:12
“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.’
In this verse, Isaiah prophesies that after Assyria fulfills its ordained purpose, God will hold them accountable for their arrogance and pride. It reassures the faithful of God’s justice and sovereignty.
2 Kings 15:19
“Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom.”
This verse narrates how King Menahem of Israel sought the aid of Pul, the Assyrian king, by paying a substantial tribute. It highlights the political dynamics between Assyria and neighboring nations.
Ezra 6:22
“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.”
Here, the Israelites express gratitude for the assistance and favor they received from the king of Assyria in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. It exemplifies God’s ability to influence political leaders for the benefit of His people.
2 Chronicles 33:10
“The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.”
This verse reveals how God’s warnings and appeals for repentance were ignored by King Manasseh and the people of Judah. As a result, Assyria was appointed to execute divine punishment, leading to King Manasseh’s capture and exile.
2 Kings 18:7
“And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.”
Here, it is noted that King Hezekiah of Judah resisted the authority of the king of Assyria and sought to maintain independence. It highlights the courage and faithfulness of a king who trusted in God rather than relying on alliances with foreign powers.
Isaiah 8:4
“For before the child knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”
In this verse, Isaiah foretells the conquest and pillaging of the cities of Damascus and Samaria by the Assyrians. It prophesies the imminent threat Assyria poses to the surrounding nations.
2 Kings 15:29
“In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maakah, Janoah, Kedesh, and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the people to Assyria.”
This verse recounts how Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, conquered several regions of Israel and sent the inhabitants into exile. It demonstrates the military might and expansionism of Assyria during that time.
Isaiah 30:31
“The voice of the LORD will shatter Assyria; with his rod, he will strike them down.”
Here, the prophet Isaiah foretells the downfall and defeat of Assyria through divine intervention. It emphasizes God’s authority over powerful nations.
2 Kings 17:23
“Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had declared by all his servants the prophets. So Israel was taken from their own land to Assyria until this day.”
In this verse, it is noted that the northern kingdom of Israel was ultimately exiled to Assyria as a result of their persistent disobedience to God. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of forsaking the covenant.
Jonah 3:10
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”
Here, the repentance of the people of Nineveh after Jonah’s warning spares them from the destruction and judgment that was initially prophesied. It reveals God’s willingness to show mercy and forgiveness to those who sincerely turn from their wickedness.
2 Chronicles 28:20
“Tilgath-Pilneser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help.”
This verse depicts King Ahaz of Judah seeking help from the Assyrian king Tilgath-Pilneser, only to face more challenges and difficulties as a result. It serves as a cautionary example of placing trust in worldly powers rather than God.
Isaiah 37:36
“Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!”
In this verse, the angel of the LORD strikes down a large number of Assyrian soldiers camped outside Jerusalem. It demonstrates God’s ability to defend His people and defeat their enemies.
2 Kings 17:24
“The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.”
Here, it is mentioned how the Assyrian king resettled various groups of people in the region of Samaria after the exile of the Israelites. It highlights Assyria’s strategic reshaping of conquered territories.
2 Kings 23:29
“While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo.”
This verse recounts the encounter between King Josiah of Judah and Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who came to aid the Assyrian king against the Babylonians. It tragically ends with Josiah’s death in battle, revealing the complex political entanglements of the time.
Isaiah 31:8
“Assyria will fall by no human sword; a sword, not of mortals, will devour them. They will flee before the sword and their young men will be put to forced labor.”
In this verse, Isaiah predicts Assyria’s ultimate defeat and subjugation through means not of human origin. It conveys the idea that human power and might are ultimately perishable.