Sargon
SARGON
Isa 20:1-4, one of the later Assyrian kings, who sent his general, Tartan, with an army against Ashdod, and took it. The northwest palace at Nimroud in the ruins of Nineveh was built by him. There is some doubt whether he is or is not to be identified with one of the kings elsewhere mentioned in Scripture; and some regard him as having reigned for about three years between Shalmaneser and Sennacherib. Others think he was the same as Shalmaneser, which see.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Sargon
(Heb. Sargon’, , either prince of the sun [Gesenius] or firm king [Rawlinson]; Sept. v.r. ,), a king of Assyria, whose general, Tartan, in the time of Hezekiah, besieged Ashdod, the key of Egypt, with the view of then invading that country (Isa 20:1; Isa 20:4 sq.). B.C. 715.
Sargon was one of the greatest of the Assyrian kings. His name is read in the native cuneiform inscriptions (q.v.) as Sargina (see Layard, Nin. and Bab. p. 148), while a town which he built and called after himself (now Khorsabad) was known as Sarghun to the Arabian geographers. He is mentioned by name only once in Scripture (as above), and then not in a historical book, which formerly led historians and critics to suspect that he was not really a king distinct from those mentioned in Kings and Chronicles, but rather one of those kings under another name. Vitringa, Offerhaus (Spicileg. p. 125 sq.), Eichhorn, and Hupfeld (De Rebus Assyrior. p. 51) identified him with Shalmaneser; Grotius, Lowth, and Keil (comp. also Schrer, Imper. Babyl. p. 152) with Sennacherib; Perizonius, Kalinsky, and Michaelis with Esar-haddon. All these conjectures are now shown to be wrong by the Assyrian inscriptions, which prove Sargon to have been distinct and different from the several monarchs named, and fix his place in the list where it had been already assigned by Paulus, Rosenmller, Gesenius, Knobel, Ewald, and Winer between Shalmaneser and Sennacherib. He was certainly Sennacherib’s father, and there is no reason to doubt that he was his immediate predecessor (see Jour. of Sac. Lit. July, 1854, p. 398 sq.). He ascended the throne of Assyria, as we gather from his annals, in the same year that Merodach- Baladan ascended the throne of Babylon, which, according to Ptolemy’s canon, was B.C. 721. This is Col. Rawlinson’s date (Lond. Athenoeum, Aug. 22, 1863, p. 245). But the synchronism with the Hebrew annals, SEE HEZEKIAH; SEE SAMARIA, would locate Sargon’s accession in B.C. 720. G. Smith puts it in B.C. 722 (Hist. of Assyria, ch. 9), and so Prof. Rawlinson (Ancient Monarchies, 2, 141). He seems to have been a usurper, and not of royal birth, for in his inscriptions he carefully avoids all mention of his father. It has been conjectured that he took advantage of Shalmaneser’s absence at the protracted siege of Samaria (2Ki 17:5) to effect a revolution at the seat of government, by which that king was deposed and he himself substituted in his room. SEE SHALMANESER.
It is remarkable that Sargon claims the conquest of Samaria, which the narrative in Kings appears to assign to his predecessor. He places the event in his first year, before any of his other expeditions. Perhaps, therefore, he is the king of Assyria intended in 2Ki 17:6; 2Ki 18:11, who is not said to be Shalmaneser, though we might naturally suppose so from no other name being mentioned. Or perhaps he claimed the conquest as his own, though Shalmaneser really accomplished it, because the capture of the city occurred after he had been acknowledged king in the Assyrian capital. At any rate, to him belongs the settlement of the Samaritans (27,280 families, according to his own statement) in Halah and on the Habor (Khabur), the river of Gozan, and (at a later period, probably) in the cities of the Medes. Sargon was undoubtedly a great and successful warrior. In his annals, which cover a space of fifteen years, he gives an account of his warlike expeditions against Babylonia and Susiana, on the south; Media, on the east; Armenia and Cappadocia, towards the north; Syria, Palestine, Arabia, and Egypt, towards the west and southwest (see Records of the Past, 7, 25 sq.). In Babylonia he deposed Merodach-Baladan and established a viceroy; in Media he built a number of cities which he peopled with captives from other quarters; in Armenia and the neighboring countries he gained many victories; while in the far west he reduced Philistia, penetrated deep into the Arabian peninsula, and forced Egypt to submit to his arms and consent to the payment of a tribute. In this last direction he seems to have waged three wars one in his second year, for the possession of Gaza; another in his sixth year, when Egypt itself was the object of attack; and a third in his ninth, when the special subject of contention was Ashdod, which Sargon took by one of his generals. This is the event which causes the mention of Sargon’s name in Scripture. Isaiah was instructed at the time of this expedition to put off his shoe, and go naked and barefoot, for a sign that the king of Assyria should lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, to the shame of Egypt (Isa 20:2-4). We may gather from this either that Ethiopians and Egyptians formed part of the garrison of Ashdod, and were captured with the city, or that the attack on the Philistine town was accompanied by an invasion of Egypt itself, which was disastrous to the Egyptians. The year of the attack, it is thought, would fall into the reign of the first Ethiopian king, Sabaco I (Rawlinson, Herodotus, 1, 386, note 7, 2d ed.), and it is in agreement with this Sargon speaks of Egypt as being at this time subject to Meron. Besides these expeditions of Sargon, his monuments mention that he took Tyre, and received tribute from the Greeks of Cyprus, against whom there is some reason to think that he conducted an attack in person. The statue of Sargon, now in the Berlin Museum, was found at Idalium in Cyprus. It is not very likely that the king’s statue would have been set up unless he had made the expedition in person.
It is not as a warrior only that Sargon deserves special mention among the Assyrian kings. He was also the builder of useful works and of one of the most magnificent of the Assyrian palaces. He relates that he thoroughly repaired the walls of Nineveh, which he seems to have elevated from a provincial city of some importance to the first position in the empire; and adds, further, that in its neighborhood he constructed the palace and town which he made his principal residence. This was the city now known as the French Nineveh, or Khorsabad, from which the valuable series of Assyrian monuments at present in the Louvre was derived almost entirely. Traces of Sargon’s buildings have been found also at Nimrud and Koyunjik; and his time is marked by a considerable advance in the useful and ornamental arts, which seem to have profited by the connection that he established between Assyria and Egypt. He left the throne to his son, the celebrated Sennacherib (q.v.). The length of Sargon’s reign is variously reckoned by Assyriologists as from fifteen to nineteen years. SEE CHRONOLOGY. Comp., in addition to the above, the following monographs by Oppert: Les Fautes de Sargon (Paris, 1863); Les Inscriptions des Sargonides (ibid. eod.); also Strachey, Time of Sargon and Sennacherib (Lond. 1856). SEE ASSYRIA.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Sargon
(In the inscriptions, “Sarra-yukin” [the god] has appointed the king; also “Sarru-kinu,” the legitimate king.) On the death of Shalmaneser (B.C. 723), one of the Assyrian generals established himself on the vacant throne, taking the name of “Sargon,” after that of the famous monarch, the Sargon of Accad, founder of the first Semitic empire, as well as of one of the most famous libraries of Chaldea. He forthwith began a conquering career, and became one of the most powerful of the Assyrian monarchs. He is mentioned by name in the Bible only in connection with the siege of Ashdod (Isa. 20:1).
At the very beginning of his reign he besieged and took the city of Samaria (2 Kings 17:6; 18:9-12). On an inscription found in the palace he built at Khorsabad, near Nieveh, he says, “The city of Samaria I besieged, I took; 27,280 of its inhabitants I carried away; fifty chariots that were among them I collected,” etc. The northern kingdom he changed into an Assyrian satrapy. He afterwards drove Merodach-baladan (q.v.), who kept him at bay for twelve years, out of Babylon, which he entered in triumph. By a succession of victories he gradually enlarged and consolidated the empire, which now extended from the frontiers of Egypt in the west to the mountains of Elam in the east, and thus carried almost to completion the ambitious designs of Tiglath-pileser (q.v.). He was murdered by one of his own soldiers (B.C. 705) in his palace at Khorsabad, after a reign of sixteen years, and was succeeded by his son Sennacherib.
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Sargon
(See NAHUM.) From sar a “king”, and gin or kin “established”. In the inscriptions Sargina; founded Khorsabad (named Sarghun by Arabian geographers). (See HOSHEA.) Once “Sargon’s” name in Isa 20:1, as having taken Ashdod by his general Tartan, caused a difficulty. He is not mentioned in the Scripture histories nor the classics; but Assyrian inscriptions show he succeeded Shalmaneser, and was father of Sennacherib, and took Ashdod as Isaiah says; he finished the siege of Samaria (721 B.C.) which Shalmaneser had begun, and according to the inscription carried away 27,280 persons (compare 2Ki 17:6). Scripture, while naming at the capture of Samaria Shalmaneser, 2Ki 17:3, in 2Ki 17:4-5-6, four times says “the king of Assyria,” which is applicable to Sargon.
In 2Ki 18:9-11 it is implied Shalmaneser was not the actual captor, since after 2Ki 18:9 has named him 2Ki 18:10 says “THEY took it.” Isaiah was the sole witness to Sargon’s existence for 25 centuries, until the discovery of the Assyrian monuments confirmed his statement. They also remarkably illustrate 2Ki 17:6, that he placed the deported Israelites (in Halah, Habor, the river of Gozan, and at a later time) “in the cities of the Medes”; for Sargon in them states he overran Media and “annexed many Median towns to Assyria.” Sargon mounted the throne the same year that Merodach Baladan ascended the Babylonian throne, according to Ptolemy’s canon 721 B.C. He was an usurper, for he avoids mentioning his father. His annals for 15 years, 721-706 B.C., describe his expeditions against Babylonia and Susiana on the S., Media on the E., Armenia and Cappadocia N., Syria, Palestine, Arabia, and Egypt, W. and S.W.
He deposed Merodach Baladan and substituted a viceroy. He built cities in Media, which he peopled with captives from a distance. He subdued Philistia, and brought Egypt under tribute; in his second year (720) he fought to gain Gaza; in his sixth against Egypt (715); in his ninth (712) he took Ashdod by Tartan. Azuri was king of Ashdod; Sargon deposed him and made his brother Ahimiti king; the people drove hint away, and raised Javan to the throne, but the latter was forced to flee to Meroe. (G. Smith, Assyrian Discoveries.) Then, according to the inscriptions, he invaded Egypt and Ethiopia, and received tribute from a Pharaoh of Egypt, besides destroying in part the Ethiopian No-Amon or Thebes (Nah 3:8); confirming Isa 20:2-4, “as Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia, so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot,” etc.
The monuments also represent Egypt at this time in that close connection with Ethiopia which the prophet implies. A memorial tablet in Cyprus shows he extended his arms to that island; a statue of him, now in the Berlin Museum, was found at Idalium in Cyprus. Sargon built one of the most magnificent of the Assyrian palaces. He records that he thoroughly repaired the walls of Nineveh, which he raised to be the first city of the empire; and that near it he built the palace and town (Khorsabad) which became his chief residence, Dursargina; from it the Louvre derived its series of Assyrian monuments. He probably reigned 19 years, from 721 to 702 B.C., when Sennacherib succeeded.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Sargon
SARGON (Isa 20:1).The father of Sennacherib and successor of Shalmaneser iv., king of Assyria (b.c. 722705). Samaria was captured early in his reign, and Sargon carried away 27,200 of the chief inhabitants, the city being placed under Assyrian governors Sargons advent to the throne marked a change of dynasty, and he had to subdue Insurrection right and left. Merodach-baladan, once king of the Chaldan State of Bt-Yakn, seized Babylon, and was supported by the Elamites. Sargon defeated the latter, but was obliged to leave Merodach-baladan undisturbed for twelve years, while he subdued the northern rivals of Assyria, Armenia and its neighbours. In b.c. 720 he faced a combination of the W. States under Ilu-bihdi, who drew Hamath, Arpad, Damascus, and Palestine into revolt. This was soon put down, Hamath was colonized by Assyrians, and the Philistines and Egyptians were defeated at Raphia. Then Carchemish was captured and absorbed into the empire (b.c. 717). But Sargons greatest difficulty was with Armenia, and the rebellions it perpetually stirred up. He was, however, successful in the end, and subdued all the region S. of the Caucasus and parts of Cilicia, as well as parts of Media. In b.c. 711 an Assyrian army was sent against Palestine, where Merodach-baladan had been intriguing and had drawn Hezekiah into the conspiracy. Ashdod was captured, and Judah, Moab, and Edom submitted. Merodach-baladan was expelled from Babylon (b.c. 709), and then chased from Bt-Yakn, whither he had retreated. Sargon was welcomed as the deliverer of the native Babylonians, and became king of Babylon. He sent his statue to be erected at Idalion, in Cyprus. In b.c. 708 Commagene was annexed. Sargon was killed b.c. 705,how or where is not yet clear. He founded a magnificent city at Dr-Sargon, the modern Khorsabad.
C. H. W. Johns.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Sargon
sargon (722-705 BC): The name of this ruler is written , sargon, in the Old Testament, Shar-ukn in the cuneiform inscriptions, , Arna, in the Septuagint, and Arkeanos, in the Ptolemaic Canon. Sargon is mentioned but once by name in the Old Testament (Isa 20:1), when he sent his Tartan (turtannu) against Ashdod, but he is referred to in 2Ki 17:6 as the king of Assyria who carried Israel into captivity.
Shalmaneser V had laid siege to Samaria and besieged it three years. But shortly before or very soon after its capitulation, Sargon, perhaps being responsible for the king’s death, overthrew the dynasty, and in his annals credited himself with the capture of the city and the deportation of its inhabitants. Whether he assumed the name of the famous ancient founder of the Accad dynasty is not known.
Sargon at the beginning of his reign was confronted with a serious situation in Babylon. Merodach-baladan of Kaldu, who paid tribute to previous rulers, on the change of dynasty had himself proclaimed king, New Year’s Day, 721 BC. At Dur-ilu, Sargon fought with the forces of Merodachbalddan and his ally Khumbanigash of Elam, but although he claimed a victory the result was apparently indecisive. Rebellions followed in other parts of the kingdom.
In 720 BC Ilu-bi’di (or Yau-bi’di), king of Hamath, formed a coalition against Sargon with Hanno of Gaza, Sib’u of Egypt, and with the cities Arpad, Simirra, Damascus and Samaria. He claims that Sib’u fled, and that he captured and flayed Ilu-bi’di, burned Karkar, and carried Hanno captive to Assyria. After destroying Rapihu, he carried away 9, 033 inhabitants to Assyria.
In the following year Ararat was invaded and the Hittite Carchemish fell before his armies. The territory of Rusas, king of Ararat, as well as a part of Melitene became Assyrian provinces.
In 710 BC Sargon directed his attention to Merodachbaladan, who no longer enjoyed the support of Elam, and whose rule over Babylon had not been popular with his subjects. He was driven out from Babylon and also from his former capital Bt-Yakn, and Sargon had himself crowned as the shakkanak of Babylon.
In 706 BC the new city called Dur-Sharrukn was dedicated as his residence. A year later he was murdered. It was during his reign that the height of Assyrian ascendancy had been reached.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Sargon
Sargon, king of Assyria [ASSYRIA]
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Sargon
[Sar’gon]
King of Assyria, successor of Shalmaneser 4, but called a usurper. His general, the Tartan, captured Ashdod. Isa 20:1. He reigned B.C. 722-705. Though his name appears in scripture only in the above passage, it is believed that he accomplished the taking of Samaria which was begun by Shalmaneser. See SAMARIA. He made various conquests and strengthened the kingdom of Assyria, and built some of the palaces.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Sargon
H5623
A king of Assyria.
Isa 20:1
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Sargon
Sargon (sar’gon), firm king. An Assyrian king, successor of Shalmaneser and father of Sennacherib. For centuries nothing was known of him only one fact, Isa 20:1, that Ashdod was taken by his command. The exhumed ruins of the Khorsabad palace show him to have been a great warrior with able generals, the chief of whom was Tartan. He reigned from 722 to 705 b.c., and was murdered in the magnificent palace he had built.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Sargon
Sar’gon. (prince of the sea). One of the greatest of the Assyrian kings, is mentioned by name, but once in Scripture — Isa 20:1. He was the successor of Shalmaneser, and was Sennacherib’s father and his reign was from B.C. 721 to 702, and he seems to have been a usurper. He was undoubtedly a great and successful warrior.
In his annals, which cover a space of fifteen years, from B.C. 721 to 706, he gives an account of his warlike expeditions against Babylonia and Susiana on the south, Media on the east, Armenia and Cappadocia toward the north, Syria, Palestine, Arabia and Egypt toward the west and southwest. In B.C. 712, he took Ashdod, by one of his generals, which is the event which causes the mention of his name in Scripture. It is not as a warrior only that Sargon deserves special mention among the Assyrian kings. He was also the builder of useful works, and of one of the most magnificent of the Assyrian palaces.