Sherghat, Asshur, Assur
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Assyrian city situated on the west bank of the Tigris River, serving as the religious heartland and original capital of the Assyrian empire.
What is the meaning of Sherghat, Asshur, Assur in the Bible?
Asshur (also known as Ashur or Qalat Sherqat) was the original capital and primary religious center of ancient Assyria, located on the Tigris River. Although political power shifted to cities like Nineveh and Nimrud, Asshur remained the sacred seat of the national deity Ashur and the site of the most important temple in the empire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the historical and geographical context of Asshur clarifies the biblical references to the Assyrian empire's origins and its role as a dominant military power during the reigns of kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, providing essential background for narratives involving the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.