Today's Scripture Reading (May 11, 2022): 1 Chronicles 5
Tiglath-Pileser III was a historically significant
King of the Neo-Assyrian empire. He took control of the kingdom from Ashur-nirari V. Historians are unsure of the relationship between the two kings. It seems likely that Tiglath-Pileser III was either
the son or the brother of Ashur-nirari V. Under the rule of Ashur-nirari V, the
Assyrian Empire continued its decline in importance on the world stage. But
after what appears to have been a peaceful revolution, Tiglath-Pileser III
grabbed control of the empire. Tiglath-Pileser may have even had a time in
which he co-reigned with Ashur-nirari V for a time. But what is significant about the reign of
Tiglath-Pileser is that he ended the period of decline in the Assyrian Empire
and instituted a time of expansion for the Assyrians in the ancient world. Tiglath-Pileser made several political and military
reforms in Assyria. By the end of his reign, Assyria had more than doubled the
land under their control.
During the time of Beerah, a
prince in control of the territory governed by the Tribe of Reuben,
Tiglath-Pileser III, took some captives into exile. The Tiglath-Pileser that is
mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5 is likely Tiglath-Pileser III. Taking prisoners was a common way of controlling an area. The
captives were often held as hostages that would ensure the co-operation of the
people back home. And so, it was with this purpose that Beerah was taken
captive by Tiglath-Pileser.
But, at least according to some ancient Jewish
traditions, Beerah is not just known because he was a prince taken captive by the Assyrians during this revival of the
empire. Beerah is thought by some
to have been the same as Beeri, the father of the prophet Hosea (Hosea 1:1),
although not all experts agree. But the time frame of both Beerah
and Beeri do appear to match, so the two names may refer to the same man.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 6
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