Topical Encyclopedia The River Gozan is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian exile of the Israelites, specifically the tribes of the Northern Kingdom. It is referenced in the historical books of the Old Testament, providing insight into the geographical and historical backdrop of the Assyrian captivity.Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 17:6 : "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes." This verse marks the fall of Samaria and the subsequent deportation of the Israelites by the Assyrian Empire. The River Gozan is identified as a location where the exiled Israelites were settled. 2. 2 Kings 18:11 : "The king of Assyria deported Israel to Assyria and settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes." This passage reiterates the settlement of the Israelites in the region of Gozan, emphasizing the Assyrian strategy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and assimilate them into the empire. 3. 1 Chronicles 5:26 : "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 Gozan, where they remain to this day." This verse highlights the divine orchestration behind the Assyrian exile, with the River Gozan again serving as a significant location for the displaced tribes. Historical and Geographical Context: The River Gozan is often associated with the Habor River, a tributary of the Euphrates, located in what is now modern-day Syria. The region around the Habor River was part of the Assyrian Empire's provincial system, which was used to manage and control the diverse populations within its vast territory. The mention of Gozan in the biblical text underscores the Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, a common practice aimed at weakening the national identity and resistance of conquered peoples. Theological Significance: The references to the River Gozan in the Bible serve as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. The exile to Assyria was a fulfillment of prophetic warnings given to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of covenant faithfulness. The settlement by the River Gozan symbolizes the loss of the Promised Land and the scattering of God's people due to their failure to uphold the covenant. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: Archaeological findings in the region of the Habor River have provided evidence of Assyrian administrative centers and settlements, corroborating the biblical accounts of deportation and resettlement. These findings offer a glimpse into the life and conditions of the exiled Israelites, who were integrated into the Assyrian provincial system. The River Gozan, as mentioned in the Bible, thus represents both a physical location and a significant moment in Israel's history, reflecting the broader themes of judgment, exile, and the hope for eventual restoration. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 17:6In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 5:26 Library Deliverance from Assyria Babylonia and Assyria The Ascension of Isaiah. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.org Is Göbekli Tepe where the Garden of Eden was located? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rivers of Canaan Abounded With Fish Rivers of People Flying from Judgments Rivers of the Abundance of Grace in Christ Rivers of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Rivers: (Drying up of) of God's Judgments Rivers: (Fruitfulness of Trees Planted By) of the Permanent Rivers: (Overflowing of) God's Judgments Rivers: (Steady Course of) Peace of Saints Rivers: Banks of Covered With Flags Rivers: Banks of Frequented by Doves Rivers: Banks of Frequented by Wild Beasts Rivers: Banks of Frequently Overflowed Rivers: Banks of Peculiarly Fruitful Rivers: Banks of Places of Common Resort Rivers: Banks of Planted With Trees Rivers: Baptism often Performed In Rivers: Cities often Built Beside Rivers: Gardens often Made Beside Rivers: God's Power Over, Unlimited Rivers: Many, Fordable in some Places Rivers: Often the Boundaries of Kingdoms Rivers: Parted Into Many Streams Rivers: Useful For: Promoting Vegetation Rivers: Useful For: Supplying Drink to the People Related Terms |
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