Introduction:
Shalmaneser is a name associated with several Assyrian kings mentioned in the Bible, most notably Shalmaneser V. His reign and actions are significant in the context of the history of Israel and Judah, particularly concerning the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Historical Context:
Shalmaneser V reigned as king of Assyria from 727 to 722 BC. He was the son of Tiglath-Pileser III, a powerful and expansionist king who had already exerted considerable influence over the region, including the territories of Israel and Judah. Shalmaneser's reign continued the Assyrian policy of expansion and dominance over the Levant.

Biblical References:
Shalmaneser is primarily mentioned in the context of the fall of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The key biblical passage concerning Shalmaneser is found in 2 Kings 17:3-6:

"Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up to attack Hoshea, who had been Shalmaneser’s vassal and had paid him tribute. But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired by sending envoys to So king of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as he had done year by year. Therefore, Shalmaneser seized him and put him in prison. Then the king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes."

Significance in Biblical History:
The actions of Shalmaneser V had profound implications for the history of Israel. His siege and eventual capture of Samaria in 722 BC marked the end of the Northern Kingdom. The deportation of the Israelites, often referred to as the Assyrian Exile, led to the dispersion of the ten tribes of Israel, sometimes called the "Lost Tribes."

The fall of Samaria and the subsequent exile were seen as divine judgment upon Israel for their persistent idolatry and disobedience to the covenant with Yahweh. The biblical narrative emphasizes that the Israelites' failure to adhere to God's commandments led to their downfall, as articulated in 2 Kings 17:7-18.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration:
While the Bible provides a theological interpretation of these events, archaeological findings and Assyrian records corroborate the historical occurrence of the Assyrian campaigns in the region. Assyrian annals and inscriptions, although not explicitly naming Shalmaneser V in the context of Samaria's fall, align with the biblical account of Assyrian dominance and deportation practices.

Legacy:
Shalmaneser's actions set the stage for the further expansion of the Assyrian Empire under his successor, Sargon II, who completed the conquest and resettlement policies initiated by Shalmaneser. The fall of the Northern Kingdom served as a cautionary tale for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which faced its own challenges with Assyria and later Babylon.

Shalmaneser's role in biblical history underscores the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency, as well as the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. His reign is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's history, illustrating the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East and the theological themes of judgment and exile.Shalmane'ser (2 Occurrences)

2 Kings 17:3
Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and brought him presents.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 18:9
And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.
(See RSV)

Shalmane'ser (2 Occurrences)
Shalmane'ser. Shalmaneser, Shalmane'ser. Shalmaneser's . Multi-Version
Concordance Shalmane'ser (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 17:3 Against ...
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Shalmaneser (3 Occurrences)

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Shalmaneser's (1 Occurrence)

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