Topical Encyclopedia Esar-haddon, also known as Ashur-aha-iddina, was a king of Assyria who reigned from 681 to 669 BC. He was the son of Sennacherib and the grandson of Sargon II. His reign is noted for its significant political and military achievements, as well as its impact on the biblical narrative.Biblical References: Esar-haddon is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Assyrian Empire's interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In 2 Kings 19:37 , it is recorded that after the assassination of his father, Sennacherib, by his own sons, Esar-haddon succeeded him as king: "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place." In Ezra 4:2 , Esar-haddon's name appears in the context of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, "Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to Him since the time of Esar-haddon king of Assyria, who brought us here." Historical Context: Esar-haddon's reign was marked by efforts to consolidate and expand the Assyrian Empire. He is known for his military campaigns against Egypt, which culminated in the conquest of Memphis and the subjugation of Pharaoh Taharqa. This expansion into Egypt was a significant achievement, as it extended Assyrian influence into the heart of the Nile Valley. Esar-haddon also focused on rebuilding and restoring cities within his empire, including the reconstruction of Babylon, which had been destroyed by his father. This act of restoration was politically astute, as it helped to pacify the Babylonians and secure their loyalty to Assyria. Religious and Cultural Influence: Esar-haddon was a devout worshiper of the Assyrian gods, particularly Ashur, the chief deity of the Assyrian pantheon. His religious devotion is evident in his building projects, which included the construction and restoration of temples dedicated to various gods. These efforts were intended to legitimize his rule and gain divine favor for his reign. The Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, which Esar-haddon continued, had a lasting impact on the regions under Assyrian control. This policy is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the resettlement of peoples in Samaria and other areas is mentioned. The mixing of populations contributed to the cultural and religious syncretism that characterized the region during and after his reign. Legacy: Esar-haddon's reign is often viewed as a period of transition for the Assyrian Empire. His successful campaigns and administrative reforms strengthened Assyria's position as a dominant power in the ancient Near East. However, his death in 669 BC led to a succession crisis, as his sons Ashurbanipal and Shamash-shum-ukin vied for control, eventually leading to internal strife and the eventual decline of the Assyrian Empire. In the biblical context, Esar-haddon's actions and policies are seen as part of God's sovereign plan, using the Assyrian Empire as an instrument of judgment and discipline for the nations, including Israel and Judah. His reign serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Esar-Haddonthat closes the point; joy; cheerfulness ATS Bible Dictionary Esar-HaddonSon of Sennacherib, and his successor as king of Assyria, 2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38; B. C. 896. It is only said of him in Scripture that he sent colonists to Samaria, Ezra 4:2. He is supposed to be the Sardanapalus of profane historians, the last king of Assyria, infamous for his luxury and effeminacy. The city being besieged and nearly taken, he collected his favorites and treasures in his palace and set it on fire, so that all perished together in the flames. Strong's Hebrew 634. Esarchaddon -- "Ashur has given a brother," an Assyrian king... king NASB Word Usage Esarhaddon (3). Esar-haddon. Of foreign derivation; Esar- chaddon, an Assyrian king -- Esar-haddon. 633, 634. Esarchaddon. 635 . ... /hebrew/634.htm - 6k Library The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Nineveh. Building in Troublous Times Introduction Questions. Babylonia and Assyria Appendices History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Christian View of the Old Testament Thesaurus Esarhaddon (3 Occurrences)... Their brother Esarhaddon, who had been engaged in a campaign against Armenia, led his army against them. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ESARHADDON. ... /e/esarhaddon.htm - 13k Esar-haddon (3 Occurrences) Tirhakah (2 Occurrences) Ashurbanipal (1 Occurrence) Esar (3 Occurrences) Chaldeans (82 Occurrences) Haddon (3 Occurrences) Chaldea (8 Occurrences) Nisroch (2 Occurrences) E'sar-Had'don (2 Occurrences) Resources Who was Charles Haddon Spurgeon? | GotQuestions.orgModern Christianity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Why is it important to be familiar with church history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Esar-haddon (3 Occurrences)2 Kings 19:37 Ezra 4:2 Isaiah 37:38 Subtopics Esar-Haddon (Esarhaddon): Called Asnapper Esar-Haddon (Esarhaddon): Succeeds Sennacherib Related Terms |
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