or אַשֻּׁר; apparently from אָשַׁר (in the sense of successful); Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e. Assyria), its region and its empire; Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See אָשֻׁר.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAshshûwr** `{{H804}}`, or **ʼAsshûr**, appears **151 times** in **138 unique verses**. It refers to **Asshur**, the second son of Shem, and more broadly to his descendants and the country they occupied, known as **Assyria** [[Genesis 10:22]]. In Scripture, Assyria is depicted as a major empire and a significant military and political power, often positioned as an adversary to Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H804}}` plays a pivotal role in Israel's history, primarily as an instrument of divine judgment. The "king of **Assyria**" is a recurring figure who brings about the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel, carrying the people into captivity [[2 Kings 17:6]]. The LORD describes the **Assyrian** as "the rod of mine anger" [[Isaiah 10:5]], using the empire to punish His disobedient people. However, God also demonstrates His sovereignty over this empire. When King Sennacherib of **Assyria** `{{H5576}}` threatened Jerusalem, an angel of the LORD smote the **Assyrian** camp [[2 Kings 19:35]]. Prophecies also speak of a future day when the LORD will gather the remnant of His people from **Assyria** [[Isaiah 11:11]] and bless **Assyria** alongside Israel and Egypt [[Isaiah 19:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the role and impact of Assyria:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word is almost inseparable from `{{H804}}`, appearing frequently as "the **king** of Assyria" [[Jeremiah 50:17]]. Figures like Tiglathpileser `{{H8407}}` and Sennacherib `{{H5576}}` are identified by this title as they interact with Israel ([[2 Kings 15:29]], [[2 Kings 19:20]]).
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (carried captive): This verb describes the primary action taken by Assyria against Israel. The king of Assyria **carried** Israel **away** into Assyria, fulfilling God's judgment ([[2 Kings 17:6]], [[2 Kings 18:11]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (smite): This word illustrates the violent conflict between Assyria and God's people. The Assyrian king is said to **smite** Israel with a rod [[Isaiah 10:24]], but ultimately, it is the angel of the LORD who will **smite** the Assyrian camp in deliverance [[Isaiah 37:36]].
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (deliver): In the face of Assyrian aggression, the people of Israel and Judah sought to be **delivered** [[Isaiah 20:6]]. The narrative affirms that only the LORD could truly **deliver** them from the hand of the king of Assyria ([[Isaiah 36:18]], [[2 Chronicles 32:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H804}}` is significant, revealing God's work in history.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** `{{H804}}` is a clear example of God using a pagan nation to execute His judgment. The LORD "stirred up the spirit" of the king of Assyria to carry the tribes of Israel into exile [[1 Chronicles 5:26]] and used the empire as "the rod of mine anger" [[Isaiah 10:5]].
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** Scripture shows that God is in control of Assyria's destiny. He brings the king of Assyria up against his people [[Isaiah 8:7]] but also promises to punish the king for his proud heart [[Isaiah 10:12]]. The pride of **Assyria** will be brought down, and its power will depart [[Zechariah 10:11]].
* **Promise of Deliverance and Restoration:** God's power is shown not in preventing Assyria's attack but in delivering His people from it, as when He saved Hezekiah [[2 Chronicles 32:22]]. Furthermore, `{{H804}}` features in eschatological hope, where God will gather his scattered people from **Assyria** [[Zechariah 10:10]] and even include them in a future blessing [[Isaiah 19:25]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼAshshûwr** `{{H804}}` is far more than a historical name for an ancient empire. It functions as a key theological symbol in the biblical narrative. It represents a mighty, threatening force used by God to discipline Israel, yet it is never outside of His sovereign control. The story of **Assyria** demonstrates God's power to judge both His own people and the prideful nations, while also showing His ultimate plan of deliverance, restoration, and even reconciliation.
TRV