The Ashurites are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the early monarchy of Israel. The term "Ashurites" appears in 2 Samuel 2:9, where it is noted in the account of the division of the kingdom following the death of King Saul. Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was made king over several regions, including the Ashurites: "and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel" (2 Samuel 2:9).

Historical Context

The Ashurites are often associated with the broader region of Assyria, although their exact identity and geographical location remain subjects of scholarly debate. Some scholars suggest that the term may refer to a group within the northern territories of Israel, possibly linked to the tribe of Asher. Others propose that the Ashurites could be a reference to a people or region influenced by Assyrian culture or political power, given the historical interactions between Israel and Assyria.

Biblical Significance

In the biblical narrative, the mention of the Ashurites highlights the fragmented state of Israel during the early years of the monarchy. After Saul's death, the kingdom was divided, with Ish-bosheth ruling over the northern tribes and David reigning over Judah. This division underscores the political and tribal complexities within Israel at the time, as well as the challenges faced by David in uniting the kingdom under his rule.

Cultural and Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Ashurites and other groups in the narrative of 2 Samuel serves to illustrate the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan for Israel. Despite the political turmoil and division, God's covenant promises to Israel and the Davidic line remained steadfast. The eventual unification of the kingdom under David's leadership is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to establish a lasting dynasty through David, which ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah.

Related Biblical References

While the Ashurites are specifically mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:9, the broader context of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations, including Assyria, can be found throughout the Old Testament. Notable references include the Assyrian invasions during the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah, as recorded in the books of Kings and Chronicles. These accounts provide insight into the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East and the role of Assyria as a dominant power during certain periods of Israel's history.

Conclusion

The Ashurites, though briefly mentioned, are part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history as recorded in the Bible. Their inclusion in the narrative of 2 Samuel serves as a reminder of the complex tribal and political dynamics at play during the early monarchy and the overarching theme of God's providential guidance in the history of His people.Mentioned among those over whom Ish-bosheth was made king (2 Samuel 2:9). ASHURITES

ash'-ur-its (ha-'ashuri): According to the Massoretic Text of 2 Samuel 2:9, a tribe included in the short-lived kingdom of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. A slight textual correction gives "Asherites," that is, the tribe of Asher; with this the Targum of Jonathan agrees. The tribe of Asher lay where it would naturally fall to Ish-bosheth's kingdom. The reading "Geshurites" (Vulgate and Syriac) is excluded by the known independence Of Geshur at this time (2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 13:37). For similar reasons we cannot think of Assyria (Hebrew Asshur) nor of the Arabic Asshurim of Genesis 25:3.

805. Ashuwriy -- descendant of Asshur, also a region of Isr.
... descendant of Asshur, also a region of Isr. Transliteration: Ashuwriy Phonetic Spelling:
(ash-oo-ree') Short Definition: Asshurim. Asshurim, Ashurites ...
/hebrew/805.htm - 5k

805a. Ashuri -- descendant of Asshur, also a region of Isr.
... Transliteration: Ashuri Short Definition: Ashurites. Word Origin from Ashshur
Definition desc. of Asshur, also a region of Isr. NASB Word Usage Ashurites (1). ...
/hebrew/805a.htm - 5k

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... of Saul's host, took Ishb-osheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
9. And he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

Ashurites (2 Occurrences)
... 2:9). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ASHURITES. ash'-ur-its ... 25:3.
Multi-Version Concordance Ashurites (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 2 ...
/a/ashurites.htm - 8k

Ash'urites (1 Occurrence)
Ash'urites. Ashurites, Ash'urites. Ashvath . Multi-Version Concordance
Ash'urites (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Ashurites, Ash'urites. Ashvath . Reference ...
/a/ash'urites.htm - 6k

Ashurite (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 2:9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over
Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. ...
/a/ashurite.htm - 6k

Geshur (11 Occurrences)
... It is possible that "Geshurites" should be read, with Vulgate, Syriac, etc., instead
of "Ashurites" in 2 Samuel 2:9. The only difficulty is that Geshur was an ...
/g/geshur.htm - 13k

Chittim (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the
Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim. ...
/c/chittim.htm - 9k

Ashuri (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 2:9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over
Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. ...
/a/ashuri.htm - 6k

Ashhur (2 Occurrences)
... the founder of the village. The original meaning of the name is the "man
of Horus," Ashurites (ha-'ashuri). This name occurs in ...
/a/ashhur.htm - 8k

Haahashtari (1 Occurrence)
... If the emendation suggested above is accepted, it means the Ashurites, and is
a description of the preceding names. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/haahashtari.htm - 7k

Isles (32 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the
Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim. ...
/i/isles.htm - 17k

Jezreel (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 2:9 and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over
Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. ...
/j/jezreel.htm - 27k

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