Who Was Tiglath-Pileser in the Bible?
A King of Assyria During the Divided Monarchy
Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul, was a significant figure in the Bible during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He was a powerful king of Assyria who reigned from approximately 745 to 727 BC. His interactions with the kings of Israel and Judah are recorded in several passages of the Old Testament, and his role in the political and military landscape of the ancient Near East had lasting implications for the people of God.
Tiglath-Pileser’s Role in the Bible
The Invasion and Tribute
Tiglath-Pileser is first mentioned in 2 Kings 15:19-20: “Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom. Menahem exacted this money from Israel. Every wealthy person had to contribute fifty shekels of silver to be given to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and stayed in the land no longer.”
In this passage, Tiglath-Pileser (referred to as Pul) invades Israel during the reign of King Menahem. In an effort to secure his throne, Menahem pays a large tribute to the Assyrian king, essentially buying his protection. This interaction highlights the fragile political situation in Israel at the time and the lengths to which its kings would go to maintain power, even at the cost of compromising the nation’s sovereignty.
Further Involvement in Israel and Judah
Tiglath-Pileser’s influence extended beyond this initial encounter. In 2 Kings 15:29, during the reign of King Pekah of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser III captured several territories in northern Israel, including Galilee and Gilead, and deported many of the inhabitants to Assyria. This marked the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom, which would eventually fall to the Assyrians under Tiglath-Pileser’s successors.
In 2 Kings 16:7-9, we see Tiglath-Pileser’s involvement with the southern kingdom of Judah. King Ahaz of Judah, facing threats from Israel and Syria, sought the help of Tiglath-Pileser, sending him gold and silver from the temple of the Lord as tribute. Tiglath-Pileser responded by attacking Damascus, capturing it, and killing its king, Rezin. While this secured temporary relief for Ahaz, it also placed Judah under Assyrian dominance, further entangling the nation in foreign alliances that would lead to greater troubles.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Danger of Worldly Alliances
Tiglath-Pileser’s interactions with the kings of Israel and Judah serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of relying on worldly alliances rather than trusting in God. Both Menahem and Ahaz sought security through treaties and tributes to a powerful foreign ruler, but these alliances ultimately weakened their nations and led to greater dependence on Assyria.
For modern Christians, this story serves as a cautionary tale about the temptation to seek security, success, or comfort through worldly means rather than relying on God’s provision and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This passage encourages believers to place their trust in God rather than in human strength or resources.
The Consequences of Disobedience
Tiglath-Pileser’s actions are also part of a broader narrative of God’s judgment on Israel for its disobedience and idolatry. The kings of Israel and Judah repeatedly turned away from God, seeking alliances with pagan nations and adopting their practices. As a result, God allowed these nations to suffer the consequences of their unfaithfulness, including invasions, deportations, and the loss of their sovereignty.
This serves as a reminder that disobedience to God has serious consequences. While God is patient and merciful, He also disciplines His people to bring them back to Himself. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” For believers today, this is a call to remain faithful to God and to avoid compromising our values and faith in pursuit of worldly gain.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Sovereignty Over Earthly Kings
Tiglath-Pileser’s power and influence, while significant on the world stage, are ultimately subject to God’s sovereignty. The Bible consistently portrays God as the ruler over all nations, including powerful empires like Assyria. In Isaiah 10:5-6, God refers to Assyria as “the rod of my anger,” indicating that He used this nation as an instrument of His judgment against Israel. However, God also warns that Assyria’s own pride and cruelty would lead to its downfall.
For modern Christians, this underscores the truth that God is in control of history, even when powerful nations or leaders seem to dominate the world stage. Psalm 2:1-4 reminds us that God is not threatened by the schemes of earthly rulers: “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s ultimate authority and to rest in the knowledge that He is working out His purposes in the world.
God’s Patience and Justice
Despite the repeated failures of Israel and Judah, God remained patient, giving them opportunities to repent and return to Him. The rise of Tiglath-Pileser and the Assyrian Empire was part of God’s discipline, yet it also served as a call for the people to turn back to God. Unfortunately, the kings of Israel and Judah often ignored these warnings, leading to their eventual downfall.
For Christians today, this aspect of God’s character is a reminder of His patience and justice. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God’s desire is for His people to repent and experience His forgiveness and restoration. However, He is also just, and persistent disobedience will lead to consequences.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Contrast Between Earthly and Heavenly Kings
Tiglath-Pileser, like many powerful rulers, sought to expand his empire through conquest and domination. His reign was marked by violence, oppression, and the subjugation of other nations. In contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King, came not to conquer through force but to save through sacrifice. Philippians 2:6-8 describes how Jesus, though equal with God, “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
This stark contrast between Tiglath-Pileser and Jesus highlights the difference between earthly and heavenly kingship. While Tiglath-Pileser’s rule brought fear and subjugation, Jesus’ reign brings peace, freedom, and eternal life. For Christians, this connection to Jesus Christ calls us to recognize Him as our ultimate King and to live under His lordship, trusting in His goodness and grace.
The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
Tiglath-Pileser’s role in the Bible is a reminder of the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Despite the failures of Israel and Judah, God’s plan for salvation was never thwarted. The judgments that came upon the nations were part of the unfolding story that would eventually lead to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. He is the true King who reigns with justice and righteousness, and His kingdom is eternal. The rise and fall of earthly empires, like that of Tiglath-Pileser, serve to highlight the permanence and supremacy of Christ’s kingdom. Hebrews 12:28 encourages believers, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Conclusion
Tiglath-Pileser III, a powerful king of Assyria, played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah during the time of the Divided Monarchy. His interactions with the kings of Israel and Judah serve as a reminder of the dangers of seeking security through worldly alliances rather than trusting in God. His story also highlights God’s sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him.
For modern Christians, the lessons from Tiglath-Pileser’s story challenge us to trust in God’s provision, to avoid compromising our faith for worldly gain, and to recognize Jesus Christ as our true King. As we reflect on the rise and fall of earthly empires, we are reminded that God’s kingdom is eternal, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. Our hope and confidence rest in Him, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
References:
– 2 Kings 15:19
– Hosea 5:13, 10:6