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The Assyrians' allies were vassal or subordinate kingdoms, including Egypt, which was once powerful. Ironically, a group of former allies gradually brought down the great Neo-Assyrian Empire between 625 and 605 BC.
God had punished Judah earlier when the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who ruled from 704 to 681 BC, launched a campaign in 701 BC against the western states of the Near East. Although Sennacherib failed to capture Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:32–36), he claimed in his records that he took Jerusalem’s tribute and a large amount of spoils from 46 cities in Judah.
Even though Judah had become a vassal state and lived under the constant threat of Assyria, Assyria did not destroy the southern kingdom. Instead, Babylon defeated Judah in 586 BC.
Sadly, neither Israel nor Judah listened to God’s many warnings. They did not turn back to him, even though he warned that refusing to repent would bring judgment (Hosea 11:5; Joel 2:1–27).
Events
- Prophecies of Nahumc. 663 BC
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Afflictions and Adversities: Tempered with Mercy Afflictions: Tempered with Mercy Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Its People