or תִּגְלַת פְּלֶסֶר; or תִּלְגַּת פִּלְנְאֶסֶר or תִּלְגַּת פִּלְנֶסֶר; of foreign derivation; Tiglath-Pileser or Tilgath-pilneser, an Assyryrian king; Tiglath-pileser, Tilgath-pilneser.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Tiglath Pilʼeçer** `{{H8407}}`, also rendered as **Tilgath-pilneser**, is of foreign derivation and refers to an **Assyryrian king**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. His historical role is consistently portrayed as a powerful and decisive military leader whose actions directly impacted the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8407}}` is depicted as an instrument of conquest and exile. During the reign of Pekah, king of Israel, **Tiglathpileser** invaded the northern kingdom, taking control of numerous cities including Ijon, Hazor, and Gilead, as well as the territories of Galilee and Naphtali, and **carried them captive** to Assyria [[2 Kings 15:29]]. The account in 1 Chronicles states that the **God** of Israel **stirred up** the spirit of **Tilgathpilneser** to carry away the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh [[1 Chronicles 5:26]]. He also interacted with King Ahaz of Judah, who traveled to Damascus to meet him [[2 Kings 16:10]] and appealed to him for salvation from his enemies [[2 Kings 16:7]]. However, this alliance proved detrimental, as **Tilgathpilneser** came and **distressed** Ahaz but did not strengthen him [[2 Chronicles 28:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the actions and identity of `{{H8407}}`:
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria): This refers to the country and empire ruled by **Tiglath-Pileser**. He is consistently identified as the **king** of **Assyria**, the nation used to execute judgment and exile upon Israel [[2 Kings 15:29]].
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to exile): A primitive root meaning to denude, exile, or remove. This word describes the primary action carried out by **Tiglathpileser** against the Israelite tribes, whom he **carried away captive** ([[1 Chronicles 5:6]], [[2 Kings 15:29]]).
* `{{H271}}` **ʼÂchâz** (Ahaz): The name of a Jewish king who, when besieged by his enemies, sought an alliance with **Tiglathpileser** instead of relying on God. He sent **messengers** declaring, "I am thy **servant** and thy **son**" [[2 Kings 16:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8407}}` is primarily seen in his role within God's sovereign plan for Israel.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The text explicitly states that the **God** of Israel **stirred up** the spirit of **Tilgathpilneser** to carry out the exile of the northern tribes [[1 Chronicles 5:26]]. This frames his military campaigns not as random political events, but as the execution of God's judgment.
* **The Folly of Faithless Alliances:** King Ahaz's plea to **Tiglathpileser** for help [[2 Kings 16:7]] demonstrates a reliance on human power over divine protection. The outcome, where the Assyrian king **distressed** him rather than strengthening him, serves as a powerful illustration of the futility of such alliances [[2 Chronicles 28:20]].
* **Agent of Exile:** **Tiglath-Pileser** is the historical figure who initiated the captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel. His actions in taking the land of **Naphtali** [[2 Kings 15:29]] and deporting the Transjordanian tribes [[1 Chronicles 5:26]] were pivotal events in the downfall of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, **Tiglath Pilʼeçer** `{{H8407}}` is presented as a formidable Assyrian king whose military power profoundly shaped the history of Israel. He is not merely a foreign adversary but is portrayed as an instrument in the hand of God, used to bring judgment and exile upon the unfaithful northern tribes. His interaction with King Ahaz further serves as a narrative warning against the danger of placing trust in human kings rather than in the God of Israel.
TRV