Lexical Summary Sargon: Sargon Original Word: סַרְגּוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sargon Of foreign derivation; Sargon, an Assyrian king -- Sargon. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a king of Assyr. NASB Translation Sargon (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs סַרְגֿוֺן proper name, masculine Sargon (Assyrian Šargânu, and (probably by popular etymology) Šarrukênu = firm, faithful, king see references below); — King of Assyria B.C. 722-705, conqueror of Samaria, father of Sennacherib, only Isaiah 20:1 (ᵐ5 Αρνα, Aq Theod Σαραγω, Symm Σαργων [Qmg]); PtolCanon Ἀρκεάνου (genitive); compare SchrCOT on the passage TieleGeschichte. 238 ff. סרד (√ of following; Thes. compare Syriac Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Isaiah 20:1 notes, “In the year that the commander came to Ashdod—when Sargon king of Assyria sent him—and he fought against Ashdod and captured it”. This single reference places Sargon in the historical setting of Isaiah’s prophetic ministry and introduces the sign that Isaiah would act out for three years to warn Egypt and Cush of impending captivity (Isaiah 20:2-6). Historical Context The king called Sargon in Isaiah aligns with Sargon II of Assyria, who reigned approximately 722–705 BC. He ascended the throne after the death of Shalmaneser V, secured his rule by completing the siege of Samaria, and launched multiple western campaigns. Around 711 BC he dispatched his field-marshal (the Tartan) to quell a rebellion in Philistine Ashdod, an event Isaiah dates precisely. Sargon’s broader reign is marked by the deportation of conquered peoples (compare 2 Kings 17:24) and by his reshaping of Assyrian administration through the founding of Dur-Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad), reflecting the reach and organization of imperial power that the prophets regarded as an instrument in God’s hand. Archaeological Corroboration For centuries critics dismissed Isaiah’s mention of Sargon as an error because classical writers scarcely knew his name. That changed in 1843 when Paul-Émile Botta unearthed Sargon’s palace at Khorsabad. Royal annals discovered there record the campaign against Ashdod and affirm that the city fell “by the power of Assur my lord,” mirroring Isaiah’s statement. Subsequent inscriptions, cylinder seals, and wall reliefs have confirmed Sargon’s titles, chronology, and military exploits, offering powerful external support for biblical accuracy and underscoring Scripture’s precision even in apparently incidental details. Prophetic Significance in Isaiah Isaiah’s acted parable—walking naked and barefoot (Isaiah 20:2-3)—was triggered by Sargon’s victory. The prophet’s sign dramatized that Egypt and Cush, nations in which Judah was tempted to place political confidence (Isaiah 30:1-5), would themselves be led away as captives. Thus Sargon becomes a divine tool demonstrating that trust in human alliances brings shame, whereas trust in the LORD alone brings security. The prophecy was fulfilled when Esarhaddon and later Ashurbanipal subjugated Egypt, validating Isaiah’s warning and testifying to the reliability of God’s word. Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty of God over Nations: Sargon’s campaigns showcase how the LORD “raises up one and brings down another” (compare Psalm 75:7). Possible Additional Biblical Allusions Although unnamed, Sargon may be the “king of Assyria” who completed Samaria’s fall in 2 Kings 17:6 and supervised later deportations (2 Kings 17:24). The chronology fits his first regnal years, but the text purposely withholds a name, directing focus to the LORD’s judgment rather than to Assyrian royalty. Ministry Implications • Preaching: Sargon’s lone biblical appearance invites pastors to link historical detail with prophetic message, illustrating that the Bible is anchored in real events yet speaks timeless truth. Summary Sargon embodies the might of Assyria employed by God to accomplish His purposes, authenticate His prophetic word, and instruct His people. Though mentioned only once, his role resonates across biblical theology, underlining both the precision of Scripture and the sovereignty of the LORD over history. Forms and Transliterations סַֽרְג֖וֹן סרגון sar·ḡō·wn sarGon sarḡōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 20:1 HEB: בִּשְׁלֹ֣ח אֹת֔וֹ סַֽרְג֖וֹן מֶ֣לֶךְ אַשּׁ֑וּר NAS: to Ashdod, when Sargon the king KJV: unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king INT: to Ashdod sent Sargon the king of Assyria 1 Occurrence |
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be frightened).