Historical Context:
Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul, was a prominent king of Assyria who reigned from 745 to 727 BC. His reign marked a period of significant expansion for the Assyrian Empire, characterized by military conquests and the subjugation of neighboring territories. The biblical narrative records his interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, highlighting the geopolitical tensions of the time.

Biblical References:
The invasion by Tiglath-Pileser is primarily documented in the books of 2 Kings and 1 Chronicles. His campaigns against Israel and Judah are significant events that illustrate the fulfillment of prophetic warnings and the consequences of the nations' disobedience to God.

1. 2 Kings 15:29 : "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he took the people to Assyria." This verse details the Assyrian king's conquest of several northern territories of Israel, leading to the deportation of its inhabitants. This event marked a significant loss for the Northern Kingdom and demonstrated Assyria's growing power.

2. 2 Kings 16:7-9 : "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.' Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria complied with his request. He attacked Damascus and captured it. Then he deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death." King Ahaz of Judah sought the aid of Tiglath-Pileser against the coalition of Aram and Israel. This alliance with Assyria, however, came at a spiritual and political cost, as it demonstrated a reliance on foreign powers rather than on God.

3. 1 Chronicles 5:26 : "So the God of Israel stirred the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), and he took the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day." This passage highlights the divine orchestration behind the Assyrian invasions, serving as a judgment against the tribes east of the Jordan for their unfaithfulness.

Theological Implications:
The invasions by Tiglath-Pileser serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, in particular, faced severe repercussions for its idolatry and failure to adhere to the covenant. The Assyrian threat was a tool used by God to bring about repentance and to fulfill His prophetic word.

The alliance between Ahaz and Tiglath-Pileser also underscores the dangers of seeking security in human alliances rather than trusting in the Lord. Ahaz's decision to rely on Assyria rather than God led to further spiritual decline and set a precedent for future kings.

Archaeological Evidence:
Archaeological findings, such as the annals of Tiglath-Pileser III, corroborate the biblical accounts of his campaigns. These records provide additional historical context and affirm the accuracy of the biblical narrative regarding Assyrian dominance during this period.

Conclusion:
The invasions by Tiglath-Pileser III are pivotal events in the history of Israel and Judah, reflecting the broader themes of judgment, repentance, and the sovereignty of God over the nations. The biblical account serves as a timeless warning against the perils of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.
Nave's Topical Index

The Nations of the North-East
... Year after year the Assyrians invaded the territories of ... Its king had become an Assyrian
vassal, who ... attended the court held by Tiglath-pileser at Damascus ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... western point of his territory, suddenly invaded Nummi,* and ... unaltered since the
days when Tiglath-pileser made his ... and the state carriage of its King Shangara ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... The Annals of Tiglath-pileser I. place their ... As a matter of fact, the Babylonian
king could never reconcile himself to the idea that Syria had passed ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Questions.
... 4. Who was the Egyptian king who invaded Judea? ... 7. Why did Ahaz seek the alliance
of Tiglath Pileser? ... 8. What was the name of the great King of Macedon? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... was taking place Mita of Mushki invaded Cilicia, and the ... but he is found mentioned
as King of Urartu ... As was the case under Tiglath-pileser III., Urartu neither ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... During his visit to Tiglath-pileser at Damascus (729 BC ... Shutruk-nakhunta into prison,
and proclaimed himself king. ... Their camp was invaded and completely flooded ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... or have fallen like Egypt and Southern Syria into the ... Taurus, such as that of the
Kushtashpi, King of Kummukh, in the time of Tiglath-pileser III., and ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... as early as the inscriptions of Tiglath- pileser III., where we ... the Kalda of
Bit-Dakkuri had invaded the almost ... its restoration, and as their king, Shamash-ibni ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

A Discourse
... of her enemy: 'for the head of Syria is Damascus ... now she will have an altar like
that which was Tiglath-pileser's. ... be turned to the use of the king of Assyria ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... was then engaged in Syria, came south as far as Phoenicia and installed the prince.**. *
The fragment of Menander does not give the Babylonian king's name, but ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Who was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Barzillai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Perea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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