Shalmaneser is a name associated with several Assyrian kings mentioned in the Bible, most notably Shalmaneser V, who played a significant role in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The name "Shalmaneser" is derived from the Akkadian "Šulmanu-ašarid," meaning "Šulmanu is pre-eminent," with Šulmanu being an Assyrian deity.

Shalmaneser III (858–824 BC)

Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, Shalmaneser III is known from Assyrian records and is significant for his military campaigns in the Levant. His reign is marked by the famous Kurkh Monolith, which records the Battle of Qarqar in 853 BC. This battle involved a coalition of Syrian and Levantine kings, including Ahab of Israel, who opposed the Assyrian advance. The biblical narrative does not mention this battle, but it provides historical context for the geopolitical landscape during the time of the divided monarchy in Israel.

Shalmaneser V (727–722 BC)

Shalmaneser V is the most prominent Shalmaneser in the biblical narrative. He was the son of Tiglath-Pileser III and succeeded him as king of Assyria. His reign is noted for the siege and eventual conquest of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This event is a pivotal moment in biblical history, leading to the fall of Israel and the exile of its people.

In 2 Kings 17:3-6 , it is recorded: "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 in previous years. Therefore, the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea 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."

This passage highlights the political intrigue and shifting alliances that characterized the period. Hoshea, the last king of Israel, attempted to ally with Egypt against Assyria, leading to his downfall and the subsequent Assyrian conquest.

The fall of Samaria in 722 BC marked the end of the Northern Kingdom and the beginning of the Assyrian exile, where the Israelites were dispersed throughout the Assyrian Empire. This event fulfilled the prophetic warnings given by prophets such as Amos and Hosea, who had called Israel to repentance and warned of impending judgment due to their idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

Historical and Theological Significance

Shalmaneser's actions had profound implications for the history of Israel and Judah. The Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement aimed to prevent rebellion by breaking the cultural and national identity of conquered peoples. This policy led to the intermingling of populations and the eventual emergence of the Samaritans, a group that would play a significant role in later biblical narratives.

Theologically, the fall of Samaria and the exile of the Northern Kingdom serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that Israel's downfall was not merely a result of political miscalculation but a divine judgment for their persistent idolatry and rejection of God's commandments.

In summary, Shalmaneser V's role in the biblical narrative underscores the intersection of divine sovereignty and human agency, illustrating how God uses historical events to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His prophetic word.

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7
... [Illustration: 002.jpg PAGE IMAGE]. THE ASSYRIAN REVIVAL AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SYRIA.
ASSUR-NAZIR-PAL (885-860 BC) AND SHALMANESER III. ... Shalmaneser III. ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 7/title page.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... Calah, now Nimrud, was founded about BC1300 by Shalmaneser I., and his son and
successor Tiglath-Ninip threw off all disguise and marched boldly into Babylonia ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III.((860-825)"The kingdom of
Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Shalmaneser's (1 Occurrence)
...Shalmaneser's (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 17:3 Against him came up Shalmaneser king
of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and brought him presents. (See NIV). ...
/s/shalmaneser's.htm - 6k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... fate of empires and execute his judgments on the earth." He was the first Jewish
king who came in contact with the Assyrian power in the time of Shalmaneser II ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Shalmane'ser (2 Occurrences)
Shalmane'ser. Shalmaneser, Shalmane'ser. Shalmaneser's . Multi-Version
Concordance Shalmane'ser (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 17:3 Against ...
/s/shalmane'ser.htm - 7k

Shalt (7998 Occurrences)

/s/shalt.htm - 6k

Omri (16 Occurrences)
... " Omri was the first king of Israel to pay tribute to the Assyrians under their
king Asurnacirpal III, in 876 BC From the days of Shalmaneser II (860 BC) down ...
/o/omri.htm - 20k

Hoshea (13 Occurrences)
... but did not ascend the throne till after an interregnum of warfare of eight years
(2 Kings 17:1, 2). Soon after this he submitted to Shalmaneser, the Assyrian ...
/h/hoshea.htm - 19k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... In the reign of Ahab, king of Israel, Shalmaneser II. ...Shalmaneser's son and successor
Tukulti-Mas entered into the fruits of his father's labors. ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

Captivity (141 Occurrences)
... 738), carried away the trans-Jordanic tribes and the inhabitants of Galilee into
Assyria (2 Kings 15:29; Isaiah 9:1). Subsequently Shalmaneser invaded Israel ...
/c/captivity.htm - 79k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... was common among the Semitic contemporaries of Israel, as is illustrated by
Dur-sharruken, "Sargonsburg," and Kar-shalmanasharidu, "Shalmaneser's fortress." ...
/p/proper.htm - 57k

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