### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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