Assir is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as a son of Jeconiah, also known as Jehoiachin, who was a king of Judah. The name "Assir" means "captive" or "prisoner," which is significant given the historical context of his father's reign and subsequent captivity.

Biblical References:

Assir is mentioned in the genealogical list found in 1 Chronicles 3:17, which states: "The descendants of Jeconiah the captive: Shealtiel his son, and Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah." While Assir is not explicitly named in this verse, he is traditionally understood to be one of the sons of Jeconiah, as the term "the captive" (Assir) is often associated with Jeconiah himself due to his deportation to Babylon.

Historical Context:

Jeconiah, Assir's father, was the king of Judah who reigned for a brief period before being taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, in 597 BC. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a significant period in Jewish history. Jeconiah's captivity is noted in 2 Kings 24:15, which states, "Nebuchadnezzar carried Jehoiachin away to Babylon, along with the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land."

Genealogical Significance:

The genealogy of Jeconiah and his descendants is crucial for understanding the lineage of the Davidic line, which holds messianic significance in Christian theology. Although Jeconiah was cursed by the prophet Jeremiah, who declared that none of his offspring would prosper on the throne of David (Jeremiah 22:30), the genealogical records in 1 Chronicles and the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace the lineage of Jesus Christ through this line, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises despite human failure.

Theological Implications:

The mention of Assir, though brief, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line through exile and adversity. The name "Assir" itself, meaning "captive," reflects the broader narrative of Israel's history, where periods of captivity and restoration are recurring themes. This underscores the belief in God's redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the promises made to David and his descendants.

In summary, while Assir is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of His divine plan through history.1 Chronicles 3:17
And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,
Nave's Topical Index

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus