Topical Bible: Syria: Subdued and Its Inhabitants Taken Captive by Assyria

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Topical Encyclopedia

Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, played a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of its interactions with the Kingdom of Israel and the Assyrian Empire. The subjugation of Syria and the captivity of its inhabitants by Assyria is a pivotal event that underscores the fulfillment of prophetic warnings and the unfolding of divine judgment upon the nations surrounding Israel.

Historical Context

Syria, with its capital in Damascus, was a prominent kingdom during the biblical era. It frequently engaged in conflicts with Israel, as seen in the accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah. The geopolitical landscape of the Near East during this period was marked by the rise of the Assyrian Empire, which sought to expand its dominion over the region.

Biblical Account

The subjugation of Syria by Assyria is recorded in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. The prophet Isaiah, speaking during this tumultuous period, delivered messages concerning the fate of Syria and its capital, Damascus. In Isaiah 7:8, the prophet declares, "For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people."

The fulfillment of this prophecy is further detailed in 2 Kings 16:9 : "So the king of Assyria complied with him. The king of Assyria marched up to Damascus, captured it, and exiled its people to Kir. Then he put Rezin to death." This passage highlights the Assyrian conquest of Damascus and the subsequent deportation of its inhabitants, marking the end of Syrian resistance and the execution of its king, Rezin.

Prophetic Significance

The subjugation of Syria by Assyria serves as a testament to the sovereignty of God over the nations. The prophets, including Isaiah and Amos, had foretold the downfall of Syria as part of God's judgment against the nations for their idolatry and opposition to His people. Amos 1:3-5 pronounces judgment on Damascus: "For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment: because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir, says the LORD."

Theological Implications

The captivity of Syria by Assyria illustrates the broader theme of divine retribution and the fulfillment of prophetic words. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the certainty of His promises. The events surrounding Syria's downfall also highlight the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human history, as God uses the rise and fall of empires to accomplish His purposes.

Legacy and Lessons

The historical and prophetic accounts of Syria's subjugation by Assyria offer valuable lessons for believers. They underscore the importance of heeding God's warnings and the reality of His justice. The narrative also encourages trust in God's ultimate plan, even amidst the complexities of international politics and the rise and fall of earthly powers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 16:9
And the king of Assyria listened to him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... an outbreak took place in Southern Syria, which might ... He devastated Ashdod, and its
vassal, Gath, carried off their gods and their inhabitants, and peopled ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The other princes of Phoenicia and Syria were hastily ... or Kishisu, the town which
Sargon subdued, and which ... rare woods, or plates of enamel in its embellishment ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... The Philistines, however, were soon subdued. ... Assyria and Mesopotamia, while Palestine
and Syria had fallen to ... to Babylon, which also opened its gates "without ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... So thoroughly was the country subdued that it was ... As we go northwards into Syria
the Canaanitish ... The Midianitish faction was annihilated, its leaders put to ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... smaller tribes had all in turn been subdued, their conqueror ... the last of which was
in Syria; and thirdly ... up on its summit: two hundred of its defenders perished ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... in Lower Egypt, but they were speedily subdued by Thutmosis ... a hand that neither Egypt
nor its foreign vassals ... a rising of the Shausu in Central Syria, while the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Egypt
... were made in the desert eastward of the city, where its wealthier inhabitants ... who
once more led his armies into Asia and subdued the coast-land of Syria. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... in the more civilized people which they had subdued. ... worshipped its own lord"Adoni**
"or its master"Baal ... El in names of towns in Southern Syria seems to ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Book 1.
... opened again when Cyrus had taken the kingdom ... friend of king Antigonus, and president
of Syria. ... ten thousands in number, and subdued its inhabitants;" and when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... a country which had been subdued by force ... of the ancient eastern world of Egypt,
Syria, and Chaldoa ... the sovereignty over Ekron which its inhabitants offered to ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm