### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Tirhâqâh**, represented by `{{H8640}}`, identifies a specific foreign king. The word, which is of foreign derivation, appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. It exclusively refers to Tirhakah, a **king** of **Kush**, or Ethiopia.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Tirhâqâh** is mentioned in two parallel accounts as a figure of military importance. In both [[Isaiah 37:9]] and [[2 Kings 19:9]], a report is heard (`{{H8085}}`) that **Tirhakah** (`{{H8640}}`), the **king** (`{{H4428}}`) of **Ethiopia** (`{{H3568}}`), has come out (`{{H3318}}`) to **fight** (`{{H3898}}`) or make war. This news prompts the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, to send **messengers** (`{{H4397}}`) to King Hezekiah, making Tirhakah's military campaign a catalyst for key events in the confrontation between Assyria and Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role and identity of **Tirhâqâh**:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word defines Tirhakah's title. It is used for earthly rulers like him but is also a title for the LORD, who is the **King** of Israel [[Isaiah 44:6]] and will be **king** over all the earth [[Zechariah 14:9]].
* `{{H3568}}` **Kûwsh** (Cush, Ethiopia): This identifies the territory ruled by Tirhakah. This land is also mentioned in prophecies concerning the future gathering of God's people [[Isaiah 11:11]] and its eventual supplication to God [[Isaiah 45:14]].
* `{{H3898}}` **lâcham** (to battle): This word describes Tirhakah's action of coming to **fight**. The same term is used to describe God's intervention on behalf of His people, as when the LORD shall **fight** for them [[Exodus 14:14]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go out, come forth): This describes Tirhakah's military advance. It is a versatile verb used for people coming **forth** from the womb [[Jeremiah 1:5]] and for the word of God that **goeth forth** from His mouth [[Isaiah 55:11]].
### Theological Significance
The appearance of `{{H8640}}` in scripture carries significance within its narrative context.
* **Historical Catalyst:** The report of **Tirhakah**'s (`{{H8640}}`) advance is a pivotal moment, influencing the actions of a major empire and prompting a message to be **sent** (`{{H7971}}`) to Hezekiah. His role demonstrates how the actions of foreign powers are woven into the biblical account [[Isaiah 37:9]].
* **Contrast of Kingship:** **Tirhakah** is presented as an earthly **king** (`{{H4428}}`) of a foreign nation. His temporal power and military actions stand in contrast to the ultimate sovereignty of the LORD, who is declared to be the **King** (`{{H4428}}`) of Israel and the only God [[Isaiah 44:6]].
* **Scope of Conflict:** The narrative shows **Tirhakah** coming to **fight** (`{{H3898}}` in a human war. The use of this word in other contexts reveals a broader theological truth: while human kings **fight** their battles, the ultimate victory belongs to the LORD, who can **fight** on behalf of His people [[Joshua 23:10]] or even **fight** against them when they rebel [[Isaiah 63:10]].
### Summary
In summary, **Tirhâqâh** (`{{H8640}}`) is the proper name of a specific historical ruler, the king of Ethiopia. Though mentioned only twice, his presence is significant as a catalyst within the narrative of Isaiah and 2 Kings. He represents the worldly political and military forces that intersect with the story of God's people, and his role as an earthly **king** (`{{H4428}}`) who comes to **fight** (`{{H3898}}`) serves to highlight the greater power and authority of the LORD as the ultimate King.
TRV