of foreign derivation; Sargon, an Assyrian king; Sargon.
Transliteration:Çargôwn
Pronunciation:sar-gone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סַרְגּוֹן (Çargôwn, `{{H5623}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the name of a historical individual. Its base definition indicates it is "of foreign derivation," signifying its origin outside of the Hebrew language, likely from Akkadian (Sargon is *Sharru-kin* in Akkadian, meaning "the legitimate king" or "the king is legitimate"). As a proper noun, its semantic range is highly constrained, referring exclusively to Sargon II, the king of Assyria who reigned from 722 to 705 BCE. It does not carry broader conceptual meanings but functions as a precise historical identifier within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name סַרְגּוֹן (Çargôwn) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 20:1]]**: "In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him and he fought against Ashdod and took it—"
* This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant. It serves as a precise historical anchor for a specific prophetic message delivered by Isaiah. The verse introduces a prophetic "sign" concerning Egypt and Cush, contextualized by a well-attested historical event: Sargon II's military campaign against the Philistine city of Ashdod.
* Sargon II, an influential and powerful Assyrian monarch, is known from extensive extra-biblical Assyrian inscriptions and annals. His mention here corroborates the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative and places Isaiah's prophecy firmly within the geopolitical realities of the late 8th century BCE.
* The "Tartan" mentioned is not a personal name but an Assyrian military title, the commander-in-chief, further demonstrating the biblical author's accurate knowledge of Assyrian administration. The capture of Ashdod was a strategic move by Sargon to secure Assyrian control over the Levant and prevent Egyptian influence in the region, which had implications for Judah's foreign policy choices.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that סַרְגּוֹן (`{{H5623}}`) is a proper noun referring to a foreign king, related words and concepts primarily revolve around the historical and geopolitical context of his reign and the broader themes associated with it:
* **Assyria/Assyrians**: The empire Sargon ruled. Concepts like אַשּׁוּר (Ashshur, `{{H0804}}`) for the nation or אַשּׁוּרִי (Ashshuri, `{{H0802}}`) for the people are directly linked. Sargon's actions are inextricably tied to the rise and dominance of the Assyrian Empire.
* **Kingship/Rulership**: The office and authority of a monarch. The general term for king, מֶלֶךְ (melek, `{{H4428}}`), is relevant, as Sargon embodies the power and often the tyranny of earthly rulers.
* **Conquest/Warfare**: Sargon was a formidable military leader. Words related to war מִלְחָמָה (milchamah, `{{H4421}}`), siege מָצוֹר (matsor, `{{H4692}}`), and capture are pertinent to his historical actions.
* **Prophecy**: Sargon's actions are cited within a prophetic oracle. Concepts like נָבִיא (navi, `{{H5030}}`, prophet) and חָזוֹן (chazon, `{{H2374}}`, vision/prophecy) are crucial to understanding the context of his biblical mention.
* **Other Assyrian Kings**: Sargon was part of a powerful dynasty. Other Assyrian kings mentioned in the Bible, such as Tiglath-Pileser III (`{{H8407}}`), Sennacherib (`{{H5576}}`), and Esarhaddon (`{{H0634}}`), represent the continuing threat and instrument of divine judgment that Assyria posed to Judah and its neighbors.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of Sargon (`{{H5623}}`) in the Bible, though brief, carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: Sargon, a powerful and seemingly autonomous foreign king, is depicted as an instrument in God's overarching plan. His military campaigns, driven by imperial ambition, are implicitly understood to be under the ultimate control of the Lord. God uses even ungodly rulers and empires to accomplish His purposes, whether for judgment, discipline, or the unfolding of His prophetic word. This underscores the biblical teaching that God is sovereign over all of history and all nations, not just Israel.
* **Historical Reliability of Scripture**: The precise historical reference to Sargon II, a figure whose reign and conquests are extensively documented in extra-biblical Assyrian records, powerfully affirms the historical accuracy and groundedness of the biblical narrative. This demonstrates that the biblical prophecies are not abstract pronouncements but are deeply embedded in real human history, thereby strengthening the credibility of God's Word.
* **Context for Prophecy and Judgment**: Sargon's conquest of Ashdod provides the concrete historical backdrop against which Isaiah's subsequent prophecy concerning Egypt and Cush is to be understood. The impending humiliation of these nations, who were potential allies for Judah, serves as a warning against relying on human strength or alliances rather than on the Lord. Sargon's actions exemplify the means by which God delivers judgment upon those who oppose His will or trust in their own might.
* **Warning Against False Security**: For Judah, the rise of Assyria under kings like Sargon was a constant threat and a test of faith. The mention of Sargon reminds the reader that reliance on powerful nations for security is ultimately futile; true security lies only in trusting the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סַרְגּוֹן (Çargôwn, `{{H5623}}`) is a proper noun, a foreign loanword referring exclusively to Sargon II, the powerful Assyrian king. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 20:1]] serves as a crucial historical marker, anchoring Isaiah's prophecy in the geopolitical realities of the late 8th century BCE. This mention underscores the historical reliability of Scripture, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even formidable foreign rulers who, though pursuing their own ambitions, unwittingly serve as instruments in His divine plan. Theologically, Sargon's actions highlight God's use of nations for judgment and warning, emphasizing the futility of trusting in human power over divine faithfulness.
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