Empire of Assyria • Divided Kingdom
The Assyrians were a powerful empire centered in Mesopotamia that played a major role in the history of Israel and Judah. Known for their military strength and expansive conquests, they became instruments of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered Samaria and carried the Israelites into exile. They also threatened Judah during the reign of Hezekiah, but Jerusalem was delivered by divine intervention. The Assyrians are frequently depicted as both a tool of God’s judgment and an example of pride that would later be brought low.
Father: Asshur
Related: Asshur, Tiglath-pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, Sennacherib, Hezekiah, Israelites, Kingdom of Israel, Kingdom of Judah, Nineveh