The Assyrians are mentioned in the Bible as part of God’s plans and prophecies. Today, we will learn about their role in Scripture and the insights they provide into God’s sovereignty.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Assyria
What Does The Bible Say About Assyrians
Isaiah 10:5-6
“Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.”
This verse speaks about God’s judgment on the Assyrians, emphasizing their role as instruments of His anger and wrath. The Assyrians were used by God to punish the godless nations and bring about His justice, even though their intentions were driven by greed and aggression. It reveals that God uses various nations and individuals to carry out His purposes, even if they don’t realize it.
It also serves as a reminder that God’s judgment is just, and He uses the Assyrians as a means to uphold His divine justice and sovereignty over all nations.
Nahum 2:13
“Behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord of hosts, “and I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall no longer be heard.”
This verse highlights God’s judgment against the Assyrians, declaring that He will be against them. It speaks of the destruction and defeat that the Assyrians will face as a result of their oppressive rule and violence. God promises to annihilate their chariots and diminish their strength.
It demonstrates that despite the Assyrians’ powerful army and reputation, God’s authority surpasses all human might. His judgment is righteous and ultimately overcomes the oppressive forces, reminding us of God’s sovereign power and His ability to bring justice and deliverance.
2 Kings 19:35
“And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.”
This verse recounts an event where the Assyrian army besieged Jerusalem, but God’s intervention resulted in their destruction. The angel of the Lord was dispatched against them, causing the death of 185,000 soldiers. This supernatural act of judgment showcases God’s power to defend His people and defeat their enemies.
It serves as a reminder that no matter how mighty or threatening our adversaries may seem, God can bring about their downfall in an instant. God’s protection and deliverance are always available to those who seek Him and trust in His power.
Isaiah 37:36
“Then the angel of the Lord went out and struck down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.”
This verse parallels the previous one but provides a similar account of God’s intervention against the Assyrian army. It also emphasizes the enormous number of casualties, reiterating the magnitude of God’s judgment and the decisive victory He bestowed upon the people of Jerusalem.
It demonstrates that God’s power surpasses any human force or military strategizing. It serves as a reassurance to believers that when faced with overwhelming odds, God can act mightily on their behalf and grant them victory over their enemies.
Isaiah 10:12
“When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.”
This verse speaks of God’s eventual punishment for the prideful and arrogant heart of the king of Assyria. It conveys that God’s judgment extends beyond physical destruction, targeting the inner thoughts and attitudes of the Assyrian king.
It serves as a reminder that God sees not only our actions but also our innermost intentions and pride. It presents a cautionary message against arrogance and the overestimation of one’s power, knowing that God will ultimately bring justice to those who exalt themselves above Him.
Isaiah 30:31
“For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.”
This verse speaks of the Assyrian’s downfall through the voice of the Lord. It suggests that God’s words and commands carry the power to defeat and humble the Assyrians, symbolized by the “rod” used to strike others.
It reminds us of the authority and power of God’s spoken word, highlighting that His voice has the ability to overcome any opposition or enemy. It serves as a reassurance that God’s words are trustworthy and can bring about victory and deliverance in any situation.
Nahum 1:9
“What are you plotting against the Lord? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time.”
This verse addresses those who plot against the Lord, assuring them that their plots will be futile. It emphasizes that God’s wrath against Nineveh and the Assyrians will result in a complete and final destruction, preventing any future rise of trouble or oppression.
It conveys a message of hope and comfort to those who suffer at the hands of their oppressors, assuring them that God will ultimately bring an end to their affliction. It serves as a reminder that God is a just and righteous judge, ensuring that evil powers will be brought to an ultimate and permanent end.
Isaiah 31:8
“And the Assyrian shall fall by the sword, not of a man; and the sword, not of a man, shall devour him; and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be put to forced labor.”
This verse speaks of the Assyrians’ downfall not by ordinary human means but by divine intervention. It suggests that God’s sword, representing His judgment, will be the instrument of their destruction. The verse also mentions the Assyrian king fleeing from the sword and his young men being subjected to forced labor.
It conveys the inevitability of God’s judgment and the inescapability of His punishment for those who oppose Him. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that the proud and oppressive will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, as God’s justice prevails over human schemes and power.
Micah 5:5
“And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men.”
This verse speaks of God being the ultimate source of peace and deliverance for His people. It refers to the Assyrians invading the land, but the people of God respond with the appointment of leaders and defenders to confront the Assyrians.
It conveys the hope and confidence that can be found in God amidst difficult circumstances. It reminds us that even in the face of oppression, God provides leaders and strategies to resist and overcome the forces of evil. Trusting in God’s provision, we can find peace and victory over our adversaries.
2 Kings 18:13
“In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them.”
This verse recounts the invasion of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, against the fortified cities of Judah. It highlights the Assyrians’ military prowess and their ability to conquer and occupy the cities of Judah, capturing them.
It serves as a reminder of the Assyrians’ historical domination over the nation of Judah and the subsequent need for God’s intervention and deliverance. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow, demonstrating God’s power to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Isaiah 7:17
“The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”
This verse warns of the coming judgment upon the people of Judah and their father’s house, comparing it to the historical invasion of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians. It indicates the severity of the judgment that will befall Judah, as it will be similar to the devastating invasion experienced by the kingdom of Ephraim.
It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It reveals that history can repeat itself if the people refuse to heed God’s warnings and continue in disobedience.
Isaiah 14:25
“That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him underfoot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.”
This verse prophesies the Assyrian’s defeat and removal from the land of Israel. It suggests that God will take action and break the yoke of the Assyrians, freeing His people from their oppressive rule and removing the burdens they had imposed.
It serves as a message of hope and deliverance, assuring God’s people that He will not allow them to be subjected to the Assyrians indefinitely. It reveals God’s faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring about liberation and freedom for those who trust in Him.
Isaiah 31:9
“And he shall pass over to his stronghold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner, saith the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.”
This verse speaks of the fear and panic that will grip the Assyrians when confronted by the banner of the Lord. It suggests that the Assyrians will retreat to their stronghold in the face of God’s power and the impending judgment that awaits them.
It demonstrates that no human power or fortress can stand against the might of God. It serves as a reminder that even the most fearsome opponents will tremble when faced with the banner of the Lord, signaling His presence and His role as a protector and deliverer of His people.
Isaiah 14:24
“The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.”
This verse affirms the faithfulness and certainty of God’s plans and purposes. It declares that whatever God has purposed in His thoughts will surely come to pass.
It serves as a reminder that God’s plans are unchangeable and His purposes are steadfast. It brings assurance that God’s promises of judgment against the Assyrians will be fulfilled, highlighting His sovereignty and unwavering commitment to bring about His will.
Isaiah 37:37
“So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh.”
This verse reveals the outcome of the Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib. After the miraculous intervention of God, Sennacherib departs from Jerusalem and returns to his residence in Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.
It serves as a concluding statement to the dramatic events surrounding the Assyrian threat, highlighting God’s victory over the Assyrians and their subsequent retreat. It demonstrates that God has the final word and can cause even the most powerful oppressors to relent and withdraw.
2 Kings 19:32
“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it.”
This verse contains a proclamation from the Lord regarding the Assyrian king’s invasion of Jerusalem. It declares that the king of Assyria will not gain access to the city, engage in warfare, or attempt to lay a siege.
It demonstrates God’s power to protect and preserve His people. Despite the Assyrians’ military might, God declares that He will prevent them from reaching their intended target. This verse serves as a reminder that God is capable of thwarting the plans of the enemy and safeguarding His chosen ones.
2 Chronicles 32:21
“And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land.”
This verse depicts the angelic intervention by the Lord that resulted in the defeat and humiliation of the Assyrian forces. It emphasizes that all the mighty warriors, commanders, and officers were struck down, causing the king of Assyria to retreat in shame.
It serves as a testament to God’s ability to bring down the oppressors and protect His people. Even the most powerful and well-equipped armies prove futile when faced with God’s divine intervention. This verse reassures believers that no enemy is too strong for Him to conquer on their behalf.
Nahum 3:19
“There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?”
This verse highlights the severity of the Assyrians’ destruction and the impact it had on those who witnessed it. It laments over the grievous wounds inflicted upon the Assyrians and their unrelenting acts of evil against others.
It serves as a reminder of the consequences of oppression and the judgment that befalls those who perpetrate evil. It underscores the universal knowledge and awareness of the Assyrians’ atrocities, laboring the point that their aggression affected both friend and foe alike.
Isaiah 23:13
“Behold the land of the Chaldeans! This is the people that was not, when the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin.”
This verse refers to the land of the Chaldeans, recognizing the Assyrians’ role in establishing the Chaldeans as a people. However, it also highlights the eventual ruin and destruction that befell the Chaldeans, attributed to divine judgment.
It serves as a reminder that no human empire or power is exempt from God’s justice. The verse underscores that those who rise to prominence through oppressive means will eventually face ruin and downfall. It brings awareness to the fleeting nature of worldly power and the importance of righteousness in the eyes of God.
Jeremiah 50:18
“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing punishment on the king of Babylon and his land, as I punished the king of Assyria.”
This verse speaks of God’s plan to bring punishment upon the king of Babylon and his land, similar to the judgment He executed on the king of Assyria. It suggests that the king of Babylon will not escape God’s retribution for his wickedness and oppression.
It demonstrates the consistency of God’s judgment against nations and leaders who engage in evil practices. The verse affirms that God’s justice remains constant throughout history, ensuring that all who oppress His people will face the consequences of their actions.
Isaiah 14:25
“I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him underfoot; his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder.”
This verse describes God’s intention to break the Assyrian’s power and influence. It emphasizes that on His own land and mountains, God will trample the Assyrians underfoot, freeing His people from their oppressive control.
It reinforces the message of God’s deliverance, showing His commitment to liberate those who are burdened and oppressed. The verse serves as a reminder that God is not only aware of the struggles His people face but actively works to remove the yoke of oppression and bring relief to those who trust in Him.
Isaiah 14:26
“This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.”
This verse highlights the purpose and sovereignty of God’s plans over the entire earth. It declares that His hand is stretched out over all nations, emphasizing His authority and control over the affairs of mankind.
It serves as a reminder of God’s overarching purposes and His ability to accomplish His will. The verse assures believers that no matter the prevailing powers or circumstances, God’s sovereign hand is at work, ensuring justice and righteousness prevail in the end.