Topical Encyclopedia Assyria, an ancient Mesopotamian empire, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of pride and arrogance. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and expansive conquests, often stood in opposition to the people of Israel and Judah. The biblical narrative highlights Assyria's pride as a key factor in its eventual downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris.Historical Context Assyria rose to prominence in the 9th century BC, reaching its zenith under kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon. The empire was renowned for its advanced military strategies, architectural achievements, and administrative efficiency. However, it was also infamous for its brutality and oppressive tactics, which it employed to maintain control over its vast territories. Biblical References The Bible frequently portrays Assyria as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel and other nations, yet it also condemns Assyria for its pride and self-exaltation. In Isaiah 10:5-19, Assyria is described as the "rod of My anger" (Isaiah 10:5), used by God to punish a "godless nation." However, the passage also warns that Assyria's arrogance will lead to its own destruction: "When the Lord has finished all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, 'I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes'" (Isaiah 10:12). The Assyrian king Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem is another significant event that underscores Assyria's pride. In 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37, Sennacherib boasts against the God of Israel, claiming that no god has been able to deliver nations from his hand. However, God responds through the prophet Isaiah, declaring that Sennacherib's arrogance will not go unpunished. The angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in disgrace (2 Kings 19:35-36). Prophetic Warnings and Judgment The prophets Nahum and Zephaniah also speak against Assyria, particularly its capital, Nineveh. Nahum prophesies the fall of Nineveh, emphasizing God's judgment against its pride and cruelty: "The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished" (Nahum 1:3). Zephaniah echoes this sentiment, declaring that God will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria, making Nineveh "a desolation, dry as the desert" (Zephaniah 2:13). Theological Implications Assyria's account serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). The Assyrian Empire, despite its might and achievements, ultimately fell due to its arrogance and defiance against God. This narrative underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and the futility of human pride in the face of divine authority. In the broader biblical context, Assyria's pride is contrasted with the humility and faithfulness that God desires from His people. The downfall of Assyria serves as a warning to all nations and individuals to recognize their dependence on God and to walk humbly before Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 31:3,10Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Deliverance from Assyria Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal But they Change their Ground and Endeavour to Vilify Our Faith in ... 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted' Nahum and Habakkuk. Temporal Advantages. Babylon. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) The Assyrian Captivity Resources What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pride of Jacob (Amos 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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