The Hebrew name Pûwl, represented by H6322, is noted as being of foreign origin. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify an Assyrian king as well as what is described as an Ethiopian tribe.
In the biblical narrative, H6322 is primarily associated with the king of Assyria. In 2 Kings 15:19, Pul the king of Assyria came against Israel, and King Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to secure his political support. A parallel account identifies this same figure as an instrument of divine action; the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, who is also named Tilgathpilneser, to carry the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh into exile 1 Chronicles 5:26. In a prophetic context, Pul is also listed among distant nations to which God will send messengers to declare His glory Isaiah 66:19.
Several related words clarify the actions surrounding the figure and place of Pul:
- H935 bôwʼ (to go or come): This word describes the arrival of the Assyrian king, as Pul "came against the land" 2 Kings 15:19. It is also used to describe his action of having "brought" the Israelite tribes into captivity 1 Chronicles 5:26.
- H1540 gâlâh (a primitive root; to denude... to exile...): This word defines the primary action of King Pul in the historical record. The text states that he "carried them away," signifying the exile of the northern tribes 1 Chronicles 5:26.
- H7971 shâlach (a primitive root; to send away, for, or out): In contrast to the king's actions, this word is used to describe God's future plan. God declares, "I will send" messengers to the nation of Pul to declare His glory Isaiah 66:19.
The use of H6322 carries significant weight in understanding God's sovereignty over nations.
- Instrument of Divine Action: Pul, king of Assyria, is explicitly used as a tool in God's hand. The text states that "the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul" to enact the exile of certain tribes, demonstrating that even foreign kings operate within God's purposes 1 Chronicles 5:26.
- Foreign Political Power: The name represents a formidable gentile authority whose favor was bought by an Israelite king to "confirm the kingdom in his hand," illustrating the political pressures and foreign entanglements of the era 2 Kings 15:19.
- Recipient of Future Glory: The nation of Pul is listed among the distant isles that have not seen God's glory but are destined to have it declared to them, showing that God's redemptive plan extends beyond Israel to the very nations involved in its judgment Isaiah 66:19.
In summary, H6322 is not merely a name but represents a key gentile entity in the Old Testament. As a king, Pul acts as both a political threat to Israel and a divine instrument of judgment. As a place, Pul represents the far-reaching scope of God's ultimate plan of salvation, destined to be a recipient of the divine glory it had not previously known.
TRV