Asshur is a significant figure and location in the biblical narrative, primarily associated with the ancient Assyrian Empire. The name "Asshur" can refer to both a person and a place, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

1. Asshur as a Person: Asshur is identified as a son of Shem, who was one of Noah's three sons. In Genesis 10:22 , it states, "The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram." As a descendant of Shem, Asshur is considered one of the patriarchs of the Semitic peoples.

2. Asshur as a Nation: The descendants of Asshur are traditionally understood to have established the Assyrian nation. Assyria became a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and significant influence over the region. The Assyrians are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often as adversaries of Israel and Judah. For instance, in 2 Kings 19:36-37 , the Assyrian king Sennacherib is mentioned in the context of his campaign against Judah.

3. Asshur in Prophecy: The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke of Assyria in the context of divine judgment and as an instrument of God's discipline against Israel. Isaiah 10:5-6 describes Assyria as "the rod of My anger," used by God to execute judgment. However, the prophets also foretold Assyria's eventual downfall, as seen in Nahum 3:18-19 , which speaks of the destruction of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital.

4. Asshur in Geography: Geographically, Asshur is also the name of a city, which was one of the early capitals of the Assyrian Empire. Located on the Tigris River, the city of Asshur was a center of worship for the Assyrian god Ashur, after whom both the city and the nation were named.

Chilmad

Chilmad is a lesser-known location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of trade and commerce.

1. Biblical Reference: Chilmad is mentioned in Ezekiel 27:23 as part of a list of trading partners with the city of Tyre. The verse states, "Haran, Canneh, Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad traded with you." This passage is part of a larger oracle against Tyre, highlighting its extensive trade network and the wealth it accumulated through commerce.

2. Historical and Geographical Context: The exact location of Chilmad is not definitively known, and it is not frequently mentioned in other historical records. Some scholars suggest that Chilmad may have been located in Mesopotamia, possibly near the region of Babylon, given its association with other Mesopotamian cities in the Ezekiel passage.

3. Significance in Trade: The mention of Chilmad in the context of trade with Tyre suggests that it was a place of some economic importance, contributing to the rich tapestry of international commerce in the ancient Near East. Tyre, known for its wealth and influence, engaged in trade with various regions, and Chilmad's inclusion in this list indicates its role in this extensive network.

4. Cultural and Economic Implications: The reference to Chilmad, along with other trading partners, underscores the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade. It highlights the economic relationships that existed between different peoples and regions, facilitated by the exchange of goods and resources.