Tiglath-pileser was the name of three Assyrian kings. The most important was Tiglath-pileser III, who ruled from 745 to 727 BC. The name means, “my trust is in the son of the temple Esharra.” Some Bible translations use the alternate spelling "Tilgath-pilneser" (1 Chronicles 5:6; 2 Chronicles 28:20).
Tiglath-pileser I
Tiglath-pileser I was the son of Ashur-resh-ishi. He ruled Assyria from 1115 to 1077 BC.
After Assyria gained independence from Babylonian rule, Tiglath-pileser strengthened his control over the lands his father had gained. He protected these lands from attacks by those who had ruled them before.
This period of peace and security helped trade grow and brought greater wealth to Assyria. Tiglath-pileser also began a major program to build temples.
Tiglath-pileser II
Tiglath-pileser II ruled Assyria from about 967 to 935 BC, during a time when the empire was growing weaker. Although he kept some control within Assyria, he could not stop other peoples from taking Assyrian land.
The Arameans, in particular, took advantage of Assyria's weakness and occupied large areas. An Aramean ruler named Kapara built a palace at Guzana (called Gozan in 2 Kings 17:6). Ancient writings found at this site have helped scholars identify some of the Arameans who settled there. This period was especially important because it helped the Aramean Empire grow in power.
Tiglath-pileser III
Tiglath-pileser III ruled Assyria from 745 to 727 BC. He became king at a time when Assyria was growing weaker, but he was able to stop its decline and restore its power. Although he was probably a member of the royal family, he was not next in line to become king.
He sometimes used the name Pul (2 Kings 15:19; 1 Chronicles 5:26). Pul may have been his original name, while Tiglath-pileser was the name he took when he became king.
Tiglath-pileser III was a strong and skilled king. During his rule, Assyria quickly gained new lands. He also governed these lands without major unrest.
He helped Babylon by defeating the Arameans. Through careful agreements with Babylonian leaders, he kept their support while he led military campaigns in other regions.
In 734 BC, Nabu-nasir, the king of Babylon who ruled under Assyrian authority, died. Tiglath-pileser gained the support of some local tribes and eventually forced Marduk-apla-iddina (called Merodach-baladan in Isaiah 39:1) to accept his rule.
According to the Babylonian Chronicle, an ancient record of Babylonian history, Tiglath-pileser used the name Pul when he became king of Babylon in 729 BC. He was the first Assyrian king to rule Babylon in 500 years.
During his rule, Tiglath-pileser greatly expanded Assyria's territory and kept firm control over the lands he conquered. His actions also had lasting effects on neighboring nations.
As Assyria expanded into Syria and Palestine, conflict with Egypt became more likely. Egypt wanted to increase its power and influence in other lands again, which could bring it into conflict with Assyria.
Tiglath-pileser was the father of Shalmaneser V, who ruled Assyria from 727 to 722 BC.
See also Assyria, Assyrians.