Assyria, a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, plays a significant role in biblical prophecy. The prophets of Israel and Judah frequently addressed Assyria, both as an instrument of divine judgment and as a subject of God's impending wrath. The prophecies concerning Assyria are found primarily in the books of Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, and Zephaniah, among others.

Isaiah's Prophecies

The prophet Isaiah provides extensive commentary on Assyria's role in God's plan. In Isaiah 10:5-19, Assyria is described as the "rod of My anger" (Isaiah 10:5), used by God to execute judgment against a "godless nation," referring to Israel. However, Isaiah also prophesies Assyria's downfall due to its arrogance and pride. The Lord declares that once His purpose is fulfilled, He will punish the "arrogant heart of the king of Assyria" (Isaiah 10:12).

Isaiah 14:24-27 further emphasizes God's sovereignty over Assyria, stating that the Lord of Hosts has sworn to break Assyria in His land and trample it underfoot. This prophecy underscores the theme that while Assyria is a tool in God's hand, it is not beyond His control or judgment.

Micah's Prophecies

The prophet Micah also speaks of Assyria, particularly in the context of the Messianic age. In Micah 5:5-6, the prophecy foretells that when the Assyrian invades the land, the people of Israel will raise against him "seven shepherds and eight leaders of men" (Micah 5:5). This passage is often interpreted as a promise of deliverance and protection, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of Israel's enemies through divine intervention.

Nahum's Prophecies

The book of Nahum is dedicated entirely to the prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Nahum 1:1-3:19 vividly describes the impending destruction of Nineveh as a result of its wickedness and cruelty. Nahum 1:14 declares, "The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: 'You will have no descendants to bear your name'" . The prophecy assures that Assyria's power will be utterly broken, and its end will be met with rejoicing by those it oppressed.

Zephaniah's Prophecies

Zephaniah also addresses Assyria, particularly in Zephaniah 2:13-15. The prophecy predicts that God will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria, making Nineveh a desolation. Zephaniah 2:15 highlights the pride of Nineveh, which boasts, "I am, and there is none besides me" , a statement that echoes the hubris condemned by other prophets. The prophecy concludes with the assurance that Nineveh will become a place of ruin and desolation.

Historical Fulfillment

The prophecies concerning Assyria were historically fulfilled with the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, when the city was conquered by a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians. This event marked the end of Assyria's dominance and served as a testament to the accuracy of the biblical prophecies. The destruction of Nineveh and the decline of Assyria are seen as divine retribution for the empire's pride and oppression, aligning with the prophetic declarations found in the Scriptures.Isaiah 7:17-25
The LORD shall bring on you, and on your people, and on your father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria.
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Isaiah 8:4-10
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.
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Isaiah 10:5-34
O Assyrian, the rod of my anger, and the staff in their hand is my indignation.
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Isaiah 14:24-28
The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
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Isaiah 19:23-25
In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
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Isaiah 20:1
In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;
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Isaiah 30:27-33
Behold, the name of the LORD comes from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
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Isaiah 31:8,9
Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.
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Isaiah 37:21-35
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
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Jeremiah 1:15
For, see, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, said the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.
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Ezekiel 31:1
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
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Jonah 3:1-4
And the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying,
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Nahum 1:1
The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
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Nahum 2:1
He that dashes in pieces is come up before your face: keep the fortification, watch the way, make your loins strong, fortify your power mightily.
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Nahum 3:1
Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departs not;
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Zephaniah 2:13-15
And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.
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Zechariah 10:11
And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart away.
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... HISTORY OF EGYPT CHALDEA, SYRIA, BABYLONIA, AND ASSYRIA ... Cyrus and the legends concerning
his origin: his revolt ... the new temple, the prophecies against Babylon ...
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The Twelve Minor Prophets.
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Letter cxxxvii. (AD 412. )
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The Hebrew Prophecies.
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From the Flood to Abraham
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The Greater Prophets.
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