Tirhakah, also spelled Taharqa, was a prominent king of Ethiopia, specifically the Kingdom of Kush, and is noted in the Bible for his involvement in the events surrounding the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. His reign is traditionally dated from 690 to 664 BC, and he is recognized as one of the rulers of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt, often referred to as the Nubian or Kushite Dynasty.

Biblical References:

Tirhakah is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 19:9 and Isaiah 37:9, the Bible records that Tirhakah was advancing to engage the Assyrian forces led by King Sennacherib. The passages state: "Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: 'He has set out to fight against you.' So when he heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah" . This indicates that Tirhakah's movements were significant enough to cause concern for the Assyrian king, suggesting his military prowess and the potential threat he posed to Assyrian ambitions in the region.

Historical Context:

Tirhakah's reign is marked by his efforts to consolidate power in Egypt and to resist Assyrian expansion. As a ruler of both Kush and Egypt, he played a crucial role in the geopolitics of the Near East during the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC. His intervention in the affairs of Judah highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern kingdoms and the strategic importance of the region.

Archaeological and Historical Evidence:

Outside of the biblical narrative, Tirhakah is well-documented in Egyptian and Assyrian records. He is known for his extensive building projects in Egypt, including temples and monuments that reflect his power and influence. The Kushite Dynasty, under his leadership, sought to restore the glory of ancient Egypt, and Tirhakah is often remembered for his contributions to Egyptian architecture and culture.

Assyrian records, such as the annals of Sennacherib, also mention Tirhakah, providing a corroborative historical account of his opposition to Assyrian campaigns. These records, along with archaeological findings, help to paint a fuller picture of Tirhakah's reign and his role in the regional power dynamics of the time.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Tirhakah's mention in the Bible underscores the theme of divine intervention and protection. The narrative of Sennacherib's failed siege of Jerusalem, in which Tirhakah plays a part, is often seen as a testament to God's deliverance of His people. The presence of a powerful foreign king like Tirhakah in the biblical account serves to highlight the miraculous nature of Judah's survival against overwhelming odds.

Tirhakah's account, as recorded in the Bible, is a reminder of the complex interplay between divine providence and human agency in the unfolding of biblical history. His involvement in the events of Hezekiah's reign illustrates the broader historical and spiritual context in which the people of Israel and Judah lived, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over the nations.2 Kings 19:9
And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against you: he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 37:9
And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with you. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Nineveh.
... Accordingly, on the report that Tirhakah, the great King of Ethiopia, was coming
to the aid of the Egyptians, he hurried on to reinforce the army he had sent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

Chapter x
... have been met with by Israel before this king's trade ventures ... lies north of the
country of Ethiopia, as we ... 37:9) that the Ethiopians under Tirhakah (about 759 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

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