שַׁלְמַנְאֶ֫סֶר (shal.man.e.ser)
shal.man.e.ser
Shalmaneser
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The proper noun Shalmaneser refers to an Assyrian king who played a central role in the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The sources identify him as the monarch who invaded Israel during the reign of Hoshea, the last king of that kingdom (2 Kings 17:3). He initially forced Hoshea to pay tribute, but when Hoshea reneged on this agreement, Shalmaneser launched a second invasion that led to the siege of Samaria.
Interestingly, the prophet Hosea refers to this same ruler simply as "Shalman" in Hosea 10:14. This variation suggests that Shalmaneser may have been a common title or name for Assyrian kings during the eighth century BC, rather than a unique personal identifier. The etymology provided links the name to "fire-worshipper," reflecting the religious context of his empire.
Historical records leave some uncertainty regarding the final outcome of the siege. While Shalmaneser initiated the campaign that ended the northern kingdom, it is not entirely clear whether he or his successor Sargon completed the conquest. The name thus anchors a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the transition of Israel from an independent monarchy to Assyrian captivity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shalmaneser appears in Scripture as a stark reminder that history is shaped by real people and political forces, not just spiritual ideals. As an Assyrian king, he represents the overwhelming power of empires that often seem to overshadow God’s people. When Hoshea paid tribute or when Samaria was besieged, it felt like the end of independence for Israel.
Yet these events are recorded so we might understand that God remains sovereign even when nations rise and fall. The Assyrian army could bring siege engines to the walls, but they could not stop the purposes of God. For us today, this word reminds us that no earthly power is greater than the One who holds history in His hands.
When we face overwhelming circumstances or feel surrounded by forces beyond our control, we can look back at these ancient sieges and find comfort. The same God who watched over Israel during the reign of Shalmaneser watches over us now. We do not need to fear the size of our challenges when we trust in His protection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shalmaneser2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁלְמַנְאֶ֧סֶר1×
- שַׁלְמַנְאֶ֖סֶר1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 17:3
Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him; and Hoshea became his servant, and brought him tribute.
This verse marks the beginning of the end for Israel's independence, showing how political submission to Shalmaneser started the chain of events leading to captivity.
-
II Kings 18:9
In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it.
Here the narrative shifts from tribute to active siege, highlighting the intensity of Shalmaneser's campaign against Samaria during Hezekiah's time.