of foreign origin; Pul, the name of an Assyrian king and of an Ethiopian tribe; Pul.
Transliteration:Pûwl
Pronunciation:pool
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6322}}` (Pûwl) is a proper noun, explicitly defined as being "of foreign origin." Unlike many Hebrew words that derive meaning from a root verb or noun, `{{H6322}}` functions purely as a name. Its semantic range is limited to two distinct referents within the biblical text:
1. **An Assyrian king:** This is the most prominent usage, referring to the monarch who interacted with the kingdom of Israel. Historically, this king is widely identified with Tiglath-Pileser III, who adopted the regnal name Pulu when he ascended the throne of Babylon.
2. **An Ethiopian tribe or region:** Mentioned in an eschatological context, indicating a distant people group.
As a proper noun, it does not possess a semantic field of related concepts within Hebrew etymology but rather points to specific historical and geographical entities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6322}}` appears in two distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each referring to one of its two primary referents:
1. **Pul, King of Assyria:**
* [[2 Kings 15:19]]: "Pul the king of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that he might help him to confirm the kingdom in his hand."
* In this passage, Pul represents the encroaching power of the Assyrian Empire. Menahem, king of Israel, pays a substantial tribute to Pul to secure his throne, effectively making Israel a vassal state. This event marks a critical turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom, signifying the beginning of its subjugation to Assyrian dominance, which would ultimately lead to its destruction and exile. The historical identification of Pul with Tiglath-Pileser III is crucial for understanding the geopolitical landscape of the 8th century BCE. This interaction highlights God's sovereign use of foreign powers, even pagan kings, to execute His purposes, including judgment upon His disobedient people.
2. **Pul, an Ethiopian Tribe/Region:**
* [[Isaiah 66:19]]: "And I will set a sign among them; and I will send some of their survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have not heard of My fame or seen My glory, and they will declare My glory among the nations."
* Here, Pul is listed among a diverse array of distant nations and regions (Tarshish, Lud, Tubal, Javan, etc.). This verse is part of an eschatological prophecy concerning the universal declaration of God's glory. It speaks of a future time when survivors from Israel will be sent to the farthest reaches of the earth to proclaim God's fame and glory to those who have not yet known Him. The inclusion of "Pul" in this list underscores the global scope of God's redemptive plan, extending beyond the immediate geographical and cultural boundaries of ancient Israel to encompass even the most remote and seemingly insignificant peoples.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H6322}}` is a proper noun of foreign origin, it does not have direct etymological relatives within Hebrew. However, its occurrences connect it to several significant biblical and historical concepts:
* **Assyria (`{{H0804}}`):** The empire ruled by King Pul, a dominant superpower of the ancient Near East and a primary instrument of God's judgment against Israel and Judah.
* **Tiglath-Pileser III:** The widely accepted historical identification of King Pul, whose campaigns significantly impacted the Levant.
* **Tribute/Vassalage:** The political dynamic established between Menahem and Pul in [[2 Kings 15:19]], reflecting the loss of Israel's sovereignty.
* **Judgment (e.g., `{{H8199}}` *shaphat*):** The divine act of using foreign nations like Assyria to chastise Israel for its idolatry and disobedience.
* **Ethiopia/Cush (`{{H3568}}`):** The broader geographical and ethnic context for the "Pul" mentioned in Isaiah, representing distant lands.
* **Gentiles/Nations (e.g., `{{H1471}}` *goy*):** The concept of non-Israelite peoples, central to the universal missionary vision of [[Isaiah 66:19]].
* **Eschatology:** The study of end times, particularly the global scope of God's redemptive plan, as seen in the Isaiah passage.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The overarching theological theme that God is in control of all nations and their histories, using them to accomplish His purposes.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of `{{H6322}}` (Pul) provides a rich theological tapestry, illustrating distinct facets of God's character and plan:
1. **God's Sovereignty in Judgment:** The appearance of Pul, King of Assyria, in [[2 Kings 15:19]] serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over the nations. Even a powerful pagan king like Pul is an unwitting instrument in God's hand. His invasion of Israel, while seemingly a political maneuver, was ultimately part of God's righteous judgment against the Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry and moral decay. This event foreshadows the inevitable exile and demonstrates that God holds even His covenant people accountable, using external forces to bring about correction or destruction. It underscores the principle that "the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will" ([[Daniel 4:17]]).
2. **God's Universal Redemptive Plan:** The mention of Pul as an Ethiopian tribe in [[Isaiah 66:19]] reveals the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive purpose. Far from being limited to Israel, God's glory is destined to be declared among all nations, even those considered "distant" or "unheard of." This prophecy anticipates the New Testament era, where the gospel would break down ethnic and geographical barriers, extending salvation to Gentiles from every tribe and tongue. It highlights God's desire for all humanity to know Him, demonstrating His boundless grace and the global reach of His divine fame.
In essence, `{{H6322}}` encapsulates both the severity of God's judgment upon His people when they stray and the magnificent breadth of His love and intention to bring all peoples into a knowledge of His glory.
### Summary
`{{H6322}}` (Pûwl) is a proper noun of foreign origin appearing in the Hebrew Bible with two distinct referents. First, it names Pul, the Assyrian king (historically identified with Tiglath-Pileser III), who initiated the subjugation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by exacting tribute from Menahem ([[2 Kings 15:19]]). In this context, Pul serves as an instrument of divine judgment, demonstrating God's sovereignty over pagan empires to chastise His disobedient people. Second, `{{H6322}}` refers to an Ethiopian tribe or region, listed among distant nations to whom God's glory will be declared in an eschatological prophecy ([[Isaiah 66:19]]). This usage underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, revealing His intention to make His fame and glory known to peoples from all corners of the earth. Thus, the single name "Pul" encapsulates both the punitive aspect of God's dealings with His covenant people and the expansive, inclusive nature of His ultimate design for global redemption.
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