IRAQ - Bible History Revealed
Archaeologists from Heidelberg University have unveiled a remarkable discovery in Iraq, uncovering fragments of an ancient bas-relief dating back to the 7th century BCE. The fragments were found in the throne room of the North Palace in Nineveh, which served as the seat of King Ashurbanipal, one of the final rulers of the Assyrian Empire.
Nineveh, situated near the present-day city of Mosul, was once the capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire and a hub of power and culture. Under King Sennacherib in the late eighth century BCE, the city rose to prominence as the empire’s political and cultural heart, leaving a legacy that continues to captivate archaeologists and historians.
“This discovery provides new insights into the art and religious practices of the Assyrian Empire during one of its most significant periods,” the researchers stated. By piecing together the story of this remarkable artifact, they hope to shed light on the cultural and spiritual dimensions of ancient Assyria.
-www.ynetnews.com, 18 May 2025
Arno's Commentary
It was King Sennacherib who intended to capture Jerusalem, but 2 Kings 19:36-37 reports: “So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.”
A Google search explains: “In the Hebrew Bible, King Sennacherib of Assyria is depicted as a formidable king whose military campaign in the Levant, including the siege of Jerusalem, is a significant part of the narrative. He is also known for his attack on Judah, which involved capturing fortified cities and sending a commander to threaten King Hezekiah. The Bible recounts that Hezekiah ultimately survived the siege, while Sennacherib’s army was struck down by an angel, leading to his retreat.”
Of great interest is the fact that the names like Nineveh, Assyria, Jerusalem, Zion, Judah, etc. testify to ancient Biblical history.
In the meantime, America’s invasion of Iraq has brought the nation closer to Israel’s archenemy, Iran. But, as Bible readers, we know how it will end: Israel will remain, and the nations will be judged.
The prophet Joel unveils the real reason for God’s displeasure with the nations: “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land” (Joel 3:2).
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
