Topical Encyclopedia Tilgath, also known as Tiglath-Pileser III, was a prominent Assyrian king who reigned from approximately 745 to 727 BC. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative due to his interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah during a period of Assyrian expansion. His reign is noted for its military campaigns and administrative reforms, which strengthened Assyria's dominance in the ancient Near East.Biblical References Tilgath-Pileser is mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of his military campaigns against the northern kingdom of Israel and his involvement with the southern kingdom of Judah. In 2 Kings 15:29 , it is recorded: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he took the people to Assyria." This passage highlights his conquest of significant territories in Israel, leading to the deportation of many Israelites. In 2 Kings 16:7-9 , King Ahaz of Judah seeks assistance from Tilgath-Pileser: "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.' Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria complied and attacked Damascus, capturing it and exiling its people to Kir. Then he put Rezin to death." This account illustrates the political maneuvering of Ahaz, who sought Assyrian support against his adversaries, leading to Assyrian intervention in the region. Historical Context Tilgath-Pileser III is credited with significant military and administrative reforms that transformed Assyria into a formidable empire. His campaigns extended Assyrian control over much of the Levant, including parts of modern-day Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. His policy of deporting conquered peoples was a strategy to prevent rebellion and integrate diverse populations into the Assyrian empire. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, Tilgath-Pileser's interactions with Israel and Judah are seen as part of God's sovereign plan, as the Assyrian empire served as an instrument of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel for its idolatry and disobedience. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Hosea, often warned of Assyrian aggression as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. Legacy Tilgath-Pileser's legacy is one of both fear and respect. His military prowess and administrative acumen left a lasting impact on the ancient Near East, and his actions are recorded in both biblical and extra-biblical sources, including Assyrian annals and inscriptions. His reign marked a turning point in the history of Israel and Judah, setting the stage for further Assyrian involvement in the region and the eventual fall of the northern kingdom. Strong's Hebrew 8407. Tiglath Pileser -- an Assyrian king... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition an Assyr. king NASB Word Usage Tiglath-pileser (3), Tilgath-pilneser (3). broken. Or Tiglath ... /hebrew/8407.htm - 6k 8408. tagmul -- a benefit Thesaurus Tilgath (3 Occurrences)...Tilgath (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. ... /t/tilgath.htm - 7k Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Tillegath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Pilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences) Reubenite (16 Occurrences) Reubenites (37 Occurrences) Exile (101 Occurrences) Asshur (133 Occurrences) Gadite (14 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tilgath (3 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 5:6 1 Chronicles 5:26 2 Chronicles 28:20 Subtopics Related Terms |