The word ʼOçnappar, represented by H620, is the name of an Assyrian king. The name is of foreign derivation and appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical record. His sole mention establishes him as a significant historical figure responsible for a major population transfer.
The single appearance of ʼOçnappar H620 is in Ezra 4:10. This verse is part of a letter written by opponents of the rebuilding of Jerusalem to the Persian king. The authors list the various peoples living in Samaria, identifying them as "the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria." This establishes ʼOçnappar as the authority behind the resettlement of foreign peoples into the lands of the former northern kingdom of Israel.
The context of ʼOçnappar's action is illuminated by the words used to describe him and his deeds:
- H7229 rab (great): This Aramaic word, meaning "abundant; captain, chief, great, lord, master, stout," is used as a title of respect and power for ʼOçnappar Ezra 4:10. It is also used to describe God Daniel 2:45 and other powerful kings like Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:30.
- H3358 yaqqîyr (noble): Meaning "precious; noble, rare," this term further elevates the status of ʼOçnappar in the text Ezra 4:10. Elsewhere, it is used to describe a "rare thing" required by a king Daniel 2:11.
- H1541 gᵉlâh (brought over): This word signifies the action of exiling or carrying away people. While it is used for the act of revealing secrets Daniel 2:22, its use in Ezra 4:10 points to ʼOçnappar's role in forcibly relocating populations.
- H3488 yᵉthib (set): Meaning "to sit or dwell," this word indicates that ʼOçnappar not only brought people over but also established them as dwellers in their new locations Ezra 4:10. The same word is used to describe God as he is "set" on his throne for judgment Daniel 7:10.
The narrative significance of H620 is tied directly to the political and ethnic landscape of post-exilic Israel.
- Imperial Agent: Described as "great H7229 and noble H3358," ʼOçnappar represents the immense power of the Assyrian empire to reshape the demographics of conquered territories.
- Architect of the Samaritan Population: His singular documented act was to bring over H1541 and set H3488 the rest of the nations H524 in the cities of Samaria Ezra 4:10.
- Source of Future Conflict: This act of resettlement created the mixed population in Samaria that would later oppose the efforts of the returning Judean exiles to rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem, a central conflict in the book of Ezra.
In summary, ʼOçnappar H620 is a figure defined by a single, impactful action recorded in scripture. Though mentioned only once, his role in the resettlement of Samaria is presented as a pivotal historical event. This act provides the crucial backstory for understanding the opposition and the complex social dynamics that the people of Judah faced upon their return from the Babylonian exile.
TRV