Thelassar
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Thelassar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian conquests. It appears in the narrative concerning the Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The reference to Thelassar is found in 2 Kings 19:12 and its parallel passage in Isaiah 37:12.

Biblical References:

· 2 Kings 19:12 (BSB): "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 Telassar?"
· Isaiah 37:12 (BSB): "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 Telassar?"

In these passages, Thelassar is mentioned as one of the places whose gods were unable to save them from the Assyrian conquest. The context is a message from the Assyrian king, boasting of his predecessors' victories over various nations and their deities, implying that the God of Israel would be no different.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Thelassar is not definitively known, but it is often associated with a region in Mesopotamia. The mention of "the people of Eden who were in Telassar" suggests a connection to a place inhabited by a group known as the "people of Eden." This has led some scholars to propose that Thelassar might be linked to a region near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, possibly in the vicinity of modern-day Iraq or Syria.

The name "Thelassar" itself is thought to mean "Hill of Asshur" or "Assyrian Hill," which could indicate a location under Assyrian control or influence. The reference to the "people of Eden" has also sparked interest, as it may refer to a specific tribe or group within the broader Mesopotamian context.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Thelassar in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel in contrast to the impotent gods of the nations conquered by Assyria. The Assyrian king's message, intended to intimidate Hezekiah and the people of Judah, ultimately underscores the futility of relying on false gods. The biblical account goes on to demonstrate that the God of Israel is not like the gods of Thelassar and other nations, as He delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat through divine intervention.

The reference to Thelassar, therefore, is part of a larger biblical theme that emphasizes the uniqueness and supremacy of the God of Israel over all other deities and powers. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His ability to protect and deliver them against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Concordance
Thelassar (2 Occurrences)

2 Kings 19:12
Have the gods of the nations which my fathers have destroyed delivered them: Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Thelassar?
(DBY YLT)

Isaiah 37:12
Have the gods of the nations which my fathers have destroyed delivered them, Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Thelassar?
(DBY)

Thesaurus
Thelassar (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Thelassar (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:12 Have the
gods of the nations which my fathers have destroyed delivered ...
/t/thelassar.htm - 7k

Thelasar (1 Occurrence)

/t/thelasar.htm - 6k

Thelersas

/t/thelersas.htm - 6k

Telassar (2 Occurrences)
... 19:12), telassar (Isaiah 37:12); Codex Alexandrinus Thalassar; Codex Vaticanus
Thaesthen; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 AD) Thelassar, Thalassar): 1 ...
/t/telassar.htm - 9k

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Thelasar: A City (District) Conquered by the Assyrians
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