The word Tartân, represented by H8661, is of foreign derivation and refers to Tartan, an Assyrian. It is a specific name or title appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is confined to identifying a high-ranking Assyrian official.
In the biblical narrative, H8661 identifies a military commander sent by the king of Assyria on specific campaigns. He is first mentioned as being sent by Sargon H5623, the king H4428 of Assyria H804, to fight against and capture the city of Ashdod H795 Isaiah 20:1. He is also listed as one of the three commanders sent by the Assyrian king with a "great host H2426" against Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah 2 Kings 18:17.
Several related words provide context for Tartan's role and identity:
- H5623 Çargôwn (Sargon): The Assyrian king H4428 who specifically sent H7971 Tartan to conquer Ashdod, directly linking Tartan to the highest level of Assyrian authority Isaiah 20:1.
- H804 ʼAshshûwr (Assyria): This identifies the nation and empire that Tartan served. He is described as an Assyrian, and his missions were conducted on behalf of the king of Assyria (2 Kings 18:17, Isaiah 20:1).
- H7971 shâlach (to send): This verb is used in both instances to describe Tartan's deployment, emphasizing that he was an agent acting under direct orders from the Assyrian monarchy (2 Kings 18:17, Isaiah 20:1).
- H7249 Rab-Çârîyç (Rab-Saris): A "chief chamberlain" or official who accompanied Tartan and Rabshakeh in the delegation sent against Jerusalem, highlighting that Tartan was part of a group of high-ranking Assyrian commanders 2 Kings 18:17.
The significance of H8661 is rooted in its historical and military context within the scriptures.
- Instrument of Assyrian Power: Tartan's appearances demonstrate the operational command structure of the Assyrian empire. He is always an agent sent H7971 by the king H4428, acting as a direct extension of imperial will.
- Military Leadership: He is associated with direct military action, such as leading a "great host H2426" 2 Kings 18:17 and successfully capturing a fortified city Isaiah 20:1.
- Historical Marker: The mention of Tartan alongside King Sargon H5623 and the campaign against Ashdod H795 grounds the prophetic message of Isaiah in a specific, verifiable historical event.
In summary, H8661 is the name of a foreign military official whose brief mentions serve a distinct purpose. He is not a central character, but his presence as an Assyrian commander in both 2 Kings and Isaiah illustrates the concrete historical threat that the empire of Assyria H804 posed to the kingdoms of Judah and its neighbors. Tartan represents the face of Assyrian military might, dispatched by its king to execute its power abroad.
TRV