Topical Bible: Galilee: Conquered by the Assyrians

◄ Galilee: Conquered by the Assyrians ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Galilee, a region in the northern part of ancient Israel, holds significant historical and biblical importance. Known for its fertile land and strategic location, Galilee was a central area during various periods of Israel's history. One of the pivotal events in the history of Galilee was its conquest by the Assyrian Empire, an event that had profound implications for the people of Israel and the unfolding of biblical prophecy.

Historical Context

The Assyrian conquest of Galilee occurred during the 8th century BC, a time when the Assyrian Empire was expanding its territory under the rule of powerful kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, of which Galilee was a part, had fallen into idolatry and disobedience to God, leading to divine judgment as foretold by the prophets.

Biblical Account

The Bible provides a detailed account of the Assyrian conquest in 2 Kings 15:29 : "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 the extent of the Assyrian campaign, which resulted in the capture of key cities and the deportation of the inhabitants of Galilee.

Prophetic Significance

The conquest of Galilee by the Assyrians was not only a historical event but also a fulfillment of prophetic warnings. The prophet Isaiah had foretold the coming judgment upon the Northern Kingdom due to their unfaithfulness. Isaiah 9:1 speaks of the region: "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past, He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan."

This prophecy not only acknowledged the humbling of Galilee through Assyrian conquest but also pointed to a future hope and restoration, ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, who ministered extensively in Galilee.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Assyrian conquest led to significant cultural and demographic changes in Galilee. The deportation of the Israelite population and the resettlement of foreign peoples resulted in a mixed population, which later influenced the region's cultural and religious landscape. This mixture is evident in the New Testament, where Galilee is depicted as a diverse area with a distinct identity within Israel.

Legacy

The Assyrian conquest of Galilee serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. It also underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, both in judgment and in the hope of redemption. The region of Galilee, once humbled, became the backdrop for the ministry of Jesus, who brought light and salvation to the nations, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy and demonstrating God's redemptive plan for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ...
... with regard to strangers who had been conquered by him ... or engage in battle with the
Assyrians, but he ... the adjoining country, which is called Galilee, and Kadesh ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how zachariah shallum.htm

Preface
... appear to be great who have only conquered those that ... also write new histories about
the Assyrians and Medes ... auxiliaries were cut off in all Galilee; and how he ...
/.../the wars of the jews or history of the destruction of jerusalem/preface.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Judah; And What Things Nahum Prophesied Against The Assyrians. ... In Judea, After He
Had Conquered Alexander, The ... Antipater Committed The Care Of Galilee To Herod ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ...
... When they staid at home, they conquered, as pleased their ... Romans, as he did upon
the Assyrians, when Pompey ... us, or when Vespasian laid waste Galilee, or, lastly ...
/.../chapter 9 titus when the.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... in its utmost extent, are called Assyrians by Josephus ... was out of his sight in Galilee
than he ... whatever countries or cities the Asamoneans conquered from any ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and feudatory states"Karduniash, Syria"Wholesale deportation of conquered
races"Provincial ... had again and again triumphed over the Assyrians during half a ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Book 1.
... and Phoenicia, and besides against the Assyrians and the ... but gave him a country in
Galilee also, that was ... says, "That this Babylonian king conquered Egypt, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... they were uneducated fishermen of Galilee, exhibit the ... as having already fallen
(through the Assyrians), rests upon ... is supposed to be conquered; concerning the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

And ii.
... was manifested, either before, as in the invasion of the Syrians and Assyrians;
or afterwards ... of Moab, far and near." It may be that Bozrah was conquered by the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... been assigned by Brugsch to the Assyrians, but subsequently ... places in the list of
cities conquered by Thutmosis III ... 185.jpg THE WALLED CITY OF DAPUR, IN GALILEE]. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm