Overview:
Tilgath-Pilneser, also known as Tiglath-Pileser III, was a prominent king of Assyria 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. His reign marked a period of Assyrian expansion and consolidation, which had profound implications for the ancient Near East, including the biblical lands.

Biblical References:
Tilgath-Pilneser is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the context of his military campaigns and interactions with the Israelite and Judean kings. 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 deported the people to Assyria." This passage highlights his conquest of northern Israelite territories and the subsequent deportation of their inhabitants, a common Assyrian practice aimed at preventing rebellion and integrating conquered peoples.

In 1 Chronicles 5:26 , the text states: "So the God of Israel stirred the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), and he took the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. He brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day." This verse underscores the divine orchestration behind the Assyrian king's actions, reflecting the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations.

Historical Context:
Tilgath-Pilneser III is credited with significant military and administrative reforms that strengthened the Assyrian Empire. His campaigns extended Assyrian control over much of the Near East, including parts of Syria, Phoenicia, and Israel. His policy of deporting conquered peoples was intended to break the power of local elites and integrate diverse populations into the Assyrian state.

Interactions with Israel and Judah:
Tilgath-Pilneser's interactions with the Israelite and Judean kingdoms were pivotal. In 2 Kings 16:7-9 , King Ahaz of Judah sought his assistance against the threat posed by the kings of Aram and Israel: "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of 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 with his request. He marched up and attacked Damascus and captured it. He deported its people to Kir and put Rezin to death."

This alliance with Assyria, while providing temporary relief for Judah, also marked the beginning of Assyrian dominance over the region, leading to increased pressure and eventual subjugation.

Legacy:
Tilgath-Pilneser's reign is remembered for its impact on the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. His military campaigns and administrative policies laid the groundwork for the Assyrian Empire's zenith under his successors. In the biblical narrative, his actions are seen as instruments of divine judgment and fulfillment of prophecy, reflecting the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency.Tilgathpilneser

a variation, and probably a corruption, of the name Tiglath-pileser. (1 Chronicles 5:6,26; 2 Chronicles 28:20)

TILGATH-PILNESER

til'-gath-pil-ne'-zer, til'-gath-pil-ne'-ser.

See TIGLATH-PILESER.

Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences)
...Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser
king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. ...
/t/tilgathpilneser.htm - 7k

Tilgath (3 Occurrences)

/t/tilgath.htm - 7k

Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences)
Tilgath-pilneser. Tilgathpilneser, Tilgath-pilneser. Til'gath-pilne'ser . Int. ...
(ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Tilgathpilneser, Tilgath-pilneser. Til'gath-pilne'ser ...
/t/tilgath-pilneser.htm - 7k

Strengthened (113 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). 2 Chronicles 28:20 And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto
him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/s/strengthened.htm - 37k

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