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