Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference:Telasear is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings. The reference is found in 2 Kings 19:12, where it is listed among the cities conquered by the Assyrian kings. The verse reads: "Did the gods of the nations that my fathers destroyed rescue them—the gods of Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar?" . Historical Context: Telasear, also referred to as Telassar in some translations, is identified as a city associated with the people of Eden. The context of its mention is during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, when the Assyrian king Sennacherib sent a message boasting of his conquests and questioning the power of the God of Israel to deliver Jerusalem from his hand. The Assyrian empire, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies, had a history of subjugating various nations and cities, including Telasear. Geographical Location: The exact location of Telasear is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been situated in Mesopotamia, possibly in the region associated with the ancient civilization of Eden. Some scholars suggest it may have been located near the Tigris or Euphrates rivers, areas known for their historical significance and fertile lands. Cultural and Religious Significance: Telasear, as part of the list of conquered cities, represents the broader theme of the futility of idolatry and the impotence of pagan gods in the face of the true God of Israel. The mention of Telasear serves to highlight the Assyrian king's arrogance and the challenge posed to the faith of the Israelites. It underscores the biblical narrative that the God of Israel is sovereign over all nations and their deities. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the reference to Telasear in 2 Kings 19:12 is a testament to the recurring biblical theme of God's supremacy over false gods and idols. The passage serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that deliverance and protection come from reliance on the one true God rather than on human alliances or the worship of foreign deities. Related Biblical Themes: · The Sovereignty of God: The narrative involving Telasear reinforces the belief in God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and kingdoms. · The Futility of Idolatry: The mention of Telasear among other conquered cities illustrates the biblical condemnation of idol worship and the ineffectiveness of false gods. · Faith and Deliverance: The context of the Assyrian threat and the subsequent deliverance of Jerusalem highlights the importance of faith in God's promises and His ability to save His people. Cross-References: · Isaiah 37:12: This parallel passage in the book of Isaiah reiterates the message found in 2 Kings 19:12, further emphasizing the Assyrian king's challenge to the God of Israel and the historical context of Telasear's mention. · 2 Kings 18-19: The broader narrative of Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian invasion provides additional context for understanding the significance of Telasear within the biblical account. Smith's Bible Dictionary Telasear(Assyrian hill) is mentioned in (2 Kings 19:12) and in Isai 37:12 As a city inhabited by "the children of Eden," --which had been conquered and was held in the time of Sennacherib, by the Assyrians. it must have been in western Mesopotamia, in the neighborhood of Harran and Orfa. Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |