What Was Tartan in the Bible?
Tartan: A Leader’s Title in the Old Testament
In the biblical context, the term “Tartan” is not a personal name but a title given to a high-ranking military officer or commander within the Assyrian army. The term appears in two significant passages in the Old Testament: 2 Kings 18:17 and Isaiah 20:1. The Hebrew word תַּרְתָּן (Tartan) denotes a position of great authority, typically associated with the chief military officer under the king of Assyria.
Biblical References to Tartan
In 2 Kings 18:17, the Tartan is mentioned as part of the Assyrian delegation sent by King Sennacherib to confront King Hezekiah of Judah. The verse reads: “And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a great army. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they had come up, they stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is on the highway to the washer’s field.”
This passage highlights Tartan’s role as a leading military figure, entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as leading an army to intimidate and negotiate with foreign leaders. The fact that Tartan was sent to Hezekiah indicates the importance of his mission, as he was a representative of the powerful Assyrian empire, known for its military strength and expansive conquests.
Similarly, in Isaiah 20:1, Tartan is mentioned in a context that reinforces his military authority. The verse states: “In the year that the Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it.”
Here, Tartan is again depicted as a military commander, this time under King Sargon of Assyria. His mission involved the conquest of Ashdod, a Philistine city, which demonstrates the Assyrian empire’s expansionist policies and the significant role military leaders like Tartan played in these endeavors.
The Role of Tartan in the Assyrian Military
The title Tartan is indicative of the structured military hierarchy within the Assyrian empire. As the chief commander, the Tartan was likely second only to the king in military matters, holding immense power and responsibility. The Assyrians were renowned for their military organization, and their success in warfare was partly due to the effectiveness of their leadership, which included figures like the Tartan.
The mention of Tartan in the Bible serves as a historical reference to the political and military dynamics of the ancient Near East, particularly during the time when the Assyrian empire was at the height of its power. The Assyrians were a constant threat to Israel and Judah, and their military campaigns are recorded in the Bible as part of the larger narrative of God’s dealings with His people.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The role of Tartan in the Bible, while specific to the context of ancient Assyrian military history, offers several lessons for modern Christians. One of the key lessons is the recognition of the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers and authorities. Despite the might of the Assyrian empire and the authority of its commanders like Tartan, the Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate ruler of the nations.
In Isaiah 10:5-15, the prophet Isaiah speaks of Assyria as the rod of God’s anger, used by Him to bring judgment upon Israel. Yet, the passage also makes it clear that Assyria’s power is limited and ultimately subject to God’s will. This teaches modern Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when facing powerful forces or intimidating situations in their lives.
Another lesson is the importance of relying on God rather than human strength or military power. King Hezekiah, when confronted by the Assyrian threat, turned to God in prayer, seeking divine intervention rather than relying solely on military strategies or alliances (2 Kings 19:14-19). This reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds is a powerful example for believers today.
Connection to a Loving God
The biblical narrative surrounding Tartan and the Assyrian empire underscores the theme of God’s protective love for His people. Despite the threats posed by powerful empires like Assyria, God demonstrated His love and faithfulness by delivering Judah from their enemies. In 2 Kings 19:35-36, God miraculously intervened, sending an angel to strike down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing King Sennacherib to retreat.
This event highlights God’s deep care for His people and His ability to protect them, even when they face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Modern Christians can take comfort in knowing that the same God who protected Judah from the Assyrians is still watching over His people today. As Psalm 121:7-8 assures us: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate expression of God’s power and authority. Unlike earthly commanders like Tartan, who wielded their power through military force, Jesus demonstrated divine authority through love, sacrifice, and resurrection. Matthew 28:18 records Jesus saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This authority is far greater than that of any earthly ruler, and it is exercised for the redemption and salvation of humanity.
The story of Tartan, with all its implications of military might and human authority, contrasts sharply with the message of Christ, who calls His followers to a different kind of power—the power of the Spirit and the transformative power of the Gospel. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Christians are called to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), relying not on earthly strength but on the power of God to stand firm in their faith. The story of Tartan serves as a reminder that, while earthly powers may rise and fall, the kingdom of God, established through Jesus Christ, will endure forever.
Conclusion
Tartan, as a title of a high-ranking Assyrian military commander, provides a glimpse into the power structures of the ancient world and the challenges faced by the people of Israel and Judah. For modern Christians, this historical figure reminds us of the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers, the importance of relying on God rather than human strength, and the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, who reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.
In a world where power and authority are often equated with military might or political influence, the Bible calls believers to a different understanding of power—one that is rooted in faith, love, and the eternal kingdom of God. Through Christ, we are connected to the true source of all authority, and in Him, we find our ultimate security and hope.