Topical Bible: Assyria: The Re-Peopling of Samaria From, Completed by Asnappar

◄ Assyria: The Re-Peopling of Samaria From, Completed by Asnappar ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency, played a significant role in the history of ancient Israel and Judah. One of the most notable events involving Assyria was the re-peopling of Samaria, a process completed by an Assyrian official named Asnappar. This event is crucial in understanding the cultural and religious shifts that occurred in the region following the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Historical Context

The Northern Kingdom of Israel, with its capital in Samaria, fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722 B.C. under the reign of King Shalmaneser V and his successor, Sargon II. The Assyrians, known for their policy of deportation and resettlement, exiled a significant portion of the Israelite population to various parts of the Assyrian Empire. This strategy was designed to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered peoples into the Assyrian culture.

The Role of Asnappar

Asnappar, also known as Ashurbanipal, was one of the last great kings of the Assyrian Empire, reigning from 669 to 627 B.C. He is credited with completing the re-peopling of Samaria, a process that involved bringing in foreign populations to settle the land. This is referenced in the biblical text of Ezra 4:10, which mentions "the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in the region beyond the River."

The Re-Peopling Process

The Assyrians relocated various groups from different parts of their empire to Samaria. These included people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, as noted in 2 Kings 17:24: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns."

This influx of foreign populations led to a significant cultural and religious transformation in the region. The new settlers brought with them their own gods and religious practices, which they attempted to integrate with the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This syncretism is evident in the subsequent narrative of the Samaritans, who developed a distinct identity separate from the Jews of Judah.

Religious Implications

The re-peopling of Samaria had profound religious implications. The syncretistic practices of the new inhabitants led to a form of worship that was a mixture of Assyrian paganism and Israelite traditions. This is highlighted in 2 Kings 17:33: "They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been brought."

The resulting religious practices were viewed with disdain by the returning Jewish exiles from Babylon, as seen in the tensions between the Samaritans and Jews during the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Samaritans' offer to assist in the reconstruction was rejected, as recorded in Ezra 4:2-3, due to their mixed religious heritage.

Legacy

The re-peopling of Samaria by Asnappar and the Assyrians set the stage for the long-standing animosity between Jews and Samaritans, which persisted into the New Testament era. This historical event underscores the complex interplay of politics, culture, and religion in the ancient Near East and its lasting impact on the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 4:10
And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnapper brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook