Lexical Summary Asenappar: Asenappar Original Word: אָסְנַפַּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Asnapper Of foreign derivation; Osnappar, an Assyrian king -- Asnapper. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition an Assyr. king NASB Translation Osnappar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אָֽסְנַמַּר proper name, masculine Asnappar, who transported peoples to Samaria Ezra 4:10; Ασενναφαρ, ᵐ5L Σαλμανασσάρηχ; probably = Assyrian king Asšurbanipal ( B.C. 668-626), i.e. אס(רב)נפל, GelzerÄg. Zeitsch. 1875, 78 COTon the passage MeyE Jud. 29 f. ZimKAT 3. 351 Bertholon the passage Ency. Bib.342. Topical Lexicon Name and ContextAsnappar appears once in Scripture (Ezra 4:10), within the adversaries’ letter to King Artaxerxes that sought to halt the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. His title—“the great and illustrious” (Ezra 4:10)—underscores his stature in Near-Eastern history and explains why his authority was cited to support opposition to the returning exiles. Historical Background Most historians identify Asnappar with Ashurbanipal, last strong ruler of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (reigned 669–631 BC). A minority associates the name with Esarhaddon (681–669 BC). Both kings conducted large-scale deportations and resettlements that match the Bible’s description. The Assyrian policy of relocating conquered peoples was designed to weaken nationalist resistance and create a dependable tax base. In Samaria, deportees from diverse nations replaced the earlier Northern Kingdom population after its fall (2 Kings 17:24). Ezra 4:9–10 lists these mixed communities to highlight their common interest in blocking a rebuilt, independent Judah. Role in the Narrative of Ezra 4 Asnappar’s deportations formed the ethnic mosaic that later opposed the Jews. The letter writers invoke his name to legitimize their presence in Samaria and to imply that the Persians should perpetuate Assyrian policy: “the rest of the nations that the great and illustrious Asnappar deported and settled in the cities of Samaria” (Ezra 4:10). By appealing to a prior imperial precedent, they aim to convince Artaxerxes that Jerusalem’s restoration threatens regional stability. Their strategy briefly succeeds (Ezra 4:23–24). Prophetic and Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty over Empires Though Asnappar acted for Assyrian interests, his population transfers ultimately served God’s larger redemptive timeline. The resulting Samaritan presence became a foil illustrating Israel’s call to covenant purity (Nehemiah 4:1–9) and later set the stage for Jesus’ ministry among Samaritans (John 4:4–42; Acts 1:8). 2. Continuity of Covenant Discipline The Assyrian exile fulfilled prophetic warnings (Isaiah 10:5–6; Hosea 9:3). Mentioning Asnappar in Ezra reminds post-exilic readers that lingering consequences of earlier disobedience could still challenge the community if faithfulness waned. Lessons for Ministry and Faith • Opposition often appeals to respected earthly authorities, but God’s purposes prevail (Ezra 6:6–12). Related Biblical Themes Population Deportations: 2 Kings 17:6, 24; Ezra 6:22 Samaritan Opposition: Nehemiah 4:1–3; John 4:9 Imperial Edicts and God’s Plan: Ezra 1:1; Isaiah 45:1–7 Conclusion Asnappar’s lone mention encapsulates Assyria’s enduring impact on Judah’s restoration era. His resettlement policies created the sociopolitical landscape that resisted temple rebuilding, yet those same circumstances highlighted God’s faithfulness in preserving a remnant and advancing salvation history. Forms and Transliterations אָסְנַפַּר֙ אסנפר ’ā·sə·nap·par ’āsənappar asenapParLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:10 HEB: דִּ֤י הַגְלִי֙ אָסְנַפַּר֙ רַבָּ֣א וְיַקִּירָ֔א NAS: and honorable Osnappar deported KJV: and noble Asnappar brought over, INT: which deported Osnappar the great and honorable 1 Occurrence |
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