Who was Esarhaddon in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy

Esarhaddon is a historical figure mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38. He was a king of Assyria who reigned from 681-669 BC. Esarhaddon was the son of Sennacherib, another prominent Assyrian king. Esarhaddon is also mentioned in Ezra 4:2 in relation to the Samaritans sending a letter of complaint to him.

Esarhaddon’s reign was marked by military conquests and administrative reforms in the Assyrian Empire. He is known for his campaigns in the Levant and Egypt, where he expanded Assyrian control. Esarhaddon is also credited with rebuilding the city of Babylon and restoring Babylonian temples.

From a biblical perspective, Esarhaddon’s mention in the Bible serves to provide historical context and validate the accuracy of biblical accounts. The Bible portrays Esarhaddon as a real historical figure, affirming the reliability of the biblical narrative. As with other historical figures mentioned in the Bible, Esarhaddon’s inclusion underscores the interconnectedness of biblical events with secular history.

In conclusion, Esarhaddon was a significant king of Assyria during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and his mention in the Bible highlights the intricate historical tapestry woven throughout Scripture. His reign, conquests, and interactions with other nations serve as a backdrop to the unfolding narrative of God’s dealings with His people and the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.