Topical Encyclopedia The conquest of Syria by Tiglath-Pileser III, the formidable king of Assyria, marks a significant event in the biblical narrative and the history of the ancient Near East. This conquest is intricately linked with the geopolitical dynamics of the 8th century BC, as well as the unfolding account of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.Historical Context Tiglath-Pileser III reigned over Assyria from 745 to 727 BC, a period during which he expanded the Assyrian Empire to unprecedented heights. His military campaigns were characterized by strategic brilliance and ruthless efficiency, enabling him to subjugate numerous territories, including the region of Syria. The Assyrian king's expansionist policies were driven by a desire to control vital trade routes and to exert influence over the Levantine states. Biblical Account The biblical account of Tiglath-Pileser's conquest of Syria is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The narrative highlights the political and military maneuvers that led to the subjugation of the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, a key Syrian city-state. In 2 Kings 16:7-9 , we read of King Ahaz of Judah seeking the aid of Tiglath-Pileser against the coalition of Rezin, king of Aram (Syria), and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel. Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser, 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." In response, Tiglath-Pileser marched against Damascus, captured it, and executed Rezin. This event is further corroborated in 2 Chronicles 28:20-21 , where it is noted that Tiglath-Pileser came to Ahaz but did not strengthen him, despite receiving tribute. Instead, the Assyrian king took advantage of the situation to extend his control over the region. Archaeological and Historical Evidence The conquest of Syria by Tiglath-Pileser is well-documented in Assyrian records, which provide additional context to the biblical narrative. The annals of Tiglath-Pileser III, discovered in the ruins of ancient Assyrian cities, detail his campaigns and victories. These records confirm the capture of Damascus and the subjugation of its territories, aligning with the biblical account. The Assyrian inscriptions also reveal the imposition of heavy tributes on the conquered states, a common practice that ensured their loyalty and submission to Assyrian rule. This aligns with the biblical description of Ahaz's tribute to Tiglath-Pileser, highlighting the political realities of the time. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the conquest of Syria by Tiglath-Pileser serves as a backdrop to the unfolding divine narrative concerning Israel and Judah. The Assyrian threat and subsequent conquests are often seen as instruments of divine judgment, used by God to discipline His people for their unfaithfulness and idolatry. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Hosea, frequently warned of the impending Assyrian invasion as a consequence of the nations' departure from covenantal faithfulness. In summary, the conquest of Syria by Tiglath-Pileser III is a pivotal event that underscores the complex interplay of political, military, and theological themes within the biblical narrative. It highlights the sovereignty of God over the nations and serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from His commandments. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 16:7-9So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am your servant and your son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 18:33,34 Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Nations of the North-East Babylonia and Assyria Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Old Testament and Archeology The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Prophet Hosea. The Antiquities of the Jews The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Resources Does war with Syria have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Syria/Aram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Syria: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Syria: A Saviour Raised up for Israel Against Syria: Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Syria: And It Included Phoenicia Syria: Army of, Miraculously Routed Syria: Asa Sought Aid of, Against Israel Syria: Benhadad King of, Besieged Samaria Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar Syria: Conquest of by Jeroboam Syria: Conquest of by Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria Syria: Damascus the Capital of Syria: David: Dedicated the Spoils of Syria: David: Destroyed a Second Army of Syria: David: Destroyed the Army of, Which Assisted Hadadezer Syria: David: Garrisoned and Made Tributary Syria: David: Obtained Renown by his Victory Over Syria: David: Sent Joab Against the Armies of, Hired by the Ammonites Syria: Death of the King of, and the Cruelty of his Successor Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over Syria: God Smote With Blindness Those Sent Against Elisha by The Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People Syria: Inhabitants of a Warlike People Syria: Inhabitants of an Idolatrous People Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians of Damascus Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language Syria: Israel Delivered Into the Hands of, for the Sins of Jehoahaz Syria: Israel Followed the Idolatry of Syria: Joined With Israel Against Ahaz and Besieged Jerusalem Syria: Joram King of Israel in Seeking to Recover Ramothgilead From, Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: And in the Title of Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Rehob, Also Called Beth-Rehob Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Zobah, Also Called, Zobah and Zoba Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Damascus Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Geshur Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Hamath Syria: More Properly the Country Around Damascus Syria: Originally Included Mesopotamia Syria: Paul Goes To, With Letters to Apprehend the Christians Syria: People of, Colonized in Samaria by the King of Assyria Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Burning of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Ceasing to be a Kingdom Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Inhabitants Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Rezin King of Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Calamities, the Punishments of Its Sins Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its History in Connection With the Macedonia Empire Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Inhabitants to be Captives Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Plundering of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion Syria: Retook Elath and Drove out the Jews Syria: Subdued and Governed by the Romans Syria: Subdued and Its Inhabitants Taken Captive by Assyria Syria: The Fame of Jesus Extended Over Syria: The Israelites: At Peace With, for Three Years Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With Syria: The Israelites: Defeated By, and Ahab Slain Syria: The Israelites: Encouraged and Assisted by God Overcame a Second Time Syria: The Israelites: Forewarned of Invasion By, at the Return of the Year Syria: The Israelites: Harassed by Frequent Incursions of Syria: The Israelites: Heard the Secrets of, from Elisha Syria: The Israelites: Insignificant Before Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Sought to Recover Ramoth-Gilead From Syria: The Roman Province of, Included the Land of Canaan Related Terms |
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