Navigating Assyrian Domination in Ancient Times

During the first half of the 8th century BC, Israel and Judah thrived while Assyrian attention was elsewhere. The phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba' delineating borders applied to the reign of Jerobo, a period when books of kings and Samuel were compiled. Assyrian domination returned with Tiglath Pilezer III in 744 BC, a fierce conqueror. Israel's internal conflicts weakened it; while King Menachim wisely submitted to Tiglath Pilezer, internal dissension plagued the kingdom. Tiglath Pilezer's conquests continued, with him taking Hamath in Syria and Israel's submission. Internal disputes in Israel led to alliances against Assyria, unlike Judah's King Ahaz who submitted to Tiglath Pilezer, refusing to join anti-Assyrian coalitions.