Topical Encyclopedia Esarhad'don, also spelled Esarhaddon, was a king of Assyria who reigned from 681 to 669 BC. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative and ancient Near Eastern history, known for his military campaigns, building projects, and interactions with the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.Historical Background Esarhad'don was the son of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king who famously besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. After Sennacherib's assassination in 681 BC, Esarhad'don ascended to the throne amidst a turbulent period marked by internal strife and rebellion. Despite these challenges, he successfully consolidated his power and continued the expansionist policies of his predecessors. Biblical References Esarhad'don is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Assyrian influence over the region. In 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38, his rise to power is noted following the assassination of his father, Sennacherib: "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 Esarhaddon reigned in his place" . In Ezra 4:2, Esarhad'don is referenced in relation to the resettlement policies of the Assyrian Empire. The verse describes the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin approaching 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 days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here" . This indicates his role in the deportation and resettlement practices that were common in Assyrian governance, which had long-lasting effects on the demographics and politics of the region. Military Campaigns and Achievements Esarhad'don is noted for his military campaigns, particularly his conquest of Egypt. In 671 BC, he successfully invaded Egypt, capturing its capital, Memphis, and bringing Pharaoh Taharqa to submission. This victory marked a significant expansion of Assyrian influence into Africa and demonstrated Esarhad'don's military prowess. Additionally, Esarhad'don undertook extensive building projects, including the reconstruction of Babylon, which had been destroyed by his father. His efforts to restore Babylon were part of a broader strategy to stabilize and legitimize his rule by appeasing the Babylonian populace and their religious sensibilities. Legacy and Significance Esarhad'don's reign is characterized by both military success and diplomatic acumen. His ability to maintain control over a vast and diverse empire, while also engaging in significant building projects, underscores his effectiveness as a ruler. His interactions with the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, as well as his policies of deportation and resettlement, had enduring impacts on the history and culture of the region. Esarhad'don's reign set the stage for the later achievements of his son, Ashurbanipal, under whom the Assyrian Empire reached its greatest extent. His legacy is preserved not only in the biblical narrative but also in the annals of Assyrian history, where he is remembered as a king who navigated the complexities of empire with skill and determination. Library The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Thesaurus Esarhad'don (1 Occurrence)Esarhad'don. Esar-haddon, Esarhad'don. E'sar-Had'don . Multi-Version Concordance Esarhad'don (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 19:37 And it ... /e/esarhad'don.htm - 6k E'sar-Had'don (2 Occurrences) Esar-haddon (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Esarhad'don (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 19:37 Subtopics Related Terms |
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