Overview:
Tel-assar is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Assyrian conquests. It is referenced in the Old Testament, within the narrative of the Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The name "Tel-assar" is often associated with the Assyrian Empire's expansion and its impact on the surrounding regions.

Biblical References:
Tel-assar is mentioned in 2 Kings 19:12 and Isaiah 37:12. Both passages are part of a larger narrative concerning the Assyrian threat to Jerusalem and the subsequent divine intervention that saved the city.

· 2 Kings 19:12 : "Did the gods of the nations my fathers destroyed rescue them—the gods of Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Tel-assar?"
· Isaiah 37:12 : "Did the gods of the nations my fathers destroyed rescue them—the gods of Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Tel-assar?"

Historical and Geographical Context:
Tel-assar is believed to have been a city or region inhabited by the "people of Eden," as mentioned in the biblical texts. The exact location of Tel-assar is not definitively known, but it is thought to have been situated in Mesopotamia, possibly near the Tigris or Euphrates rivers. The mention of Tel-assar alongside other locations such as Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph suggests it was part of the broader Assyrian Empire's territory.

The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and extensive conquests, often relocated conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to integrate them into the empire. The reference to the "people of Eden" in Tel-assar may indicate a group that was displaced or resettled by the Assyrians.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Tel-assar in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the futility of relying on foreign gods and the powerlessness of these deities in the face of the true God of Israel. The rhetorical question posed by the Assyrian envoy underscores the belief that the gods of the conquered nations were unable to save their people from Assyrian domination. This sets the stage for the demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy when He delivers Jerusalem from Sennacherib's siege.

The narrative emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all nations and His ability to protect His chosen people, contrasting the impotence of idols with the living God who actively intervenes in history. The reference to Tel-assar, therefore, is not merely a geographical note but a theological statement about divine power and faithfulness.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly identifying Tel-assar, the broader context of Assyrian history provides insights into the cultural and political landscape of the time. The Assyrians were known for their advanced civilization, including impressive architectural achievements, extensive libraries, and a well-organized administrative system.

The mention of Tel-assar alongside other significant locations reflects the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern world and the complex relationships between various peoples and empires. Understanding the role of cities like Tel-assar within the Assyrian Empire can shed light on the historical backdrop of the biblical narrative and the challenges faced by the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Conclusion:
Tel-assar, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, serves as a testament to the historical realities of Assyrian expansion and the theological themes of divine sovereignty and deliverance. Its inclusion in the biblical text underscores the enduring message of God's power and faithfulness to His people amidst the geopolitical upheavals of the ancient world.8515. Telassar -- a city in Mesopotamia
... 8514, 8515. Telassar. 8516 . a city in Mesopotamia. Transliteration: Telassar
Phonetic Spelling: (tel-as-sar') Short Definition: Telassar. ... Telassar. ...
/hebrew/8515.htm - 6k

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, Gozan
and Haran and Rezepk, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar? ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Telassar (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TELASSAR. ... See French Delitzsch, Wo lag das Paradies?
264. TG Pinches. Multi-Version Concordance Telassar (2 Occurrences). ...
/t/telassar.htm - 9k

Tel-assar (2 Occurrences)
Tel-assar. Telassar, Tel-assar. Telem . Multi-Version Concordance Tel-assar
(2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Telassar, Tel-assar. Telem . Reference Bible.
/t/tel-assar.htm - 6k

Rezeph (2 Occurrences)
... surrender of Jerusalem. The names which precede are Gozan and Haran; and
"the children of Eden that were Telassar" follows. 2. Now ...
/r/rezeph.htm - 9k

Children
... e'-d'-n (bene `edhen): In 2 Kings 19:12 Isaiah 37:12 "the children of Eden that
were in Telassar" are mentioned in connection with "Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph ...
/c/children.htm - 62k

Eden (19 Occurrences)
... e'-d'-n (bene `edhen): In 2 Kings 19:12 Isaiah 37:12 "the children of Eden that
were in Telassar" are mentioned in connection with "Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph ...
/e/eden.htm - 28k

Gozan (5 Occurrences)
... 19:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed,
Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Telassar...
/g/gozan.htm - 10k

Tel (5 Occurrences)
... 19:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed,
Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Telassar...
/t/tel.htm - 8k

Assar (3 Occurrences)
... 19:12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed,
Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Telassar...
/a/assar.htm - 7k

Thelasar (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia THELASAR. the-la'-sar (tela'ssar, telassar).
See TELASSAR. Multi-Version Concordance Thelasar (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/thelasar.htm - 6k

Telem (2 Occurrences)

/t/telem.htm - 8k

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