Summary Of King Nassir-Pal II

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Kristin Senior The kings described by these three passages differ greatly. In regards to the king's values, roles and a connection to god, distinct differences amongst them are illuminated in the excerpts. For example, Assur-Nassir-Pal II writes of many great defeats he has experienced in war. It is evident throughout the excerpt that he has exhibited qualities one would prefer to see in a king. However, King Shou has chosen to rule as a “cruel” and “unjust” king. In the same manner, the king God described to Samuel rules greedily, taking advantage of his own people. All of these kings have used their powers in different ways. Assur-Nassir-Pal II uses his love for his Gods as a motivation; King Shou disregards his God's desires; The king…show more content…
Although mentioning this role last, Assur-Nassir-Pal II ironically boasts about his status as warrior more profoundly than the others. Displayed on the walls of his palace at Nimrud in Mesopatamia, this excerpt portrays Assur-Nasir-Pal II as a mighty warrior. Assur's words personify his achievements in battle, having described his soldiers as “birds of prey” that defeated the once undefeated. When illustrating his own characteristics as a warrior, Assur-Nassir-Pal II exaggerates his conquests. He claims to have massacred 260 enemy soldiers and having “their heads cut off in heaps”. Clearly, Assur believes his title as a fierce warrior is the most important and respected of all roles as king. It is evident therefore, that Assur-Nassir-Pal II embodies the essence of war. Concerning the connection between Assur-Nassir-Pal II as king and the divine, there is a clear connection between divine power and his kingship. Although it seems Assur does not label himself as a god, he pronounces himself to be “proclaimer of the Moon-god, worshipper of Anu, exalter of Yav, suppliant of the gods “. The term “suppliant” creates the idea that Assur-Nassir-Pal II relies on the approval of the…show more content…
It is obvious from the excerpt that the connection between kingship and the divine power is significant; in fact, the divine power grants kingship and without it's approval, kingship is lost. It is stated that whether or not King Shou would win the war and maintain his position as king relied solely on “the gracious decision of Heaven”. It is only “Heaven” that bestows power upon a king and it is only “heaven” that can revoke these same powers. In the case of king Shou, heaven revoked his powers by determining his fate in the war. As described by zhou, “the king of Shang, is without principle, cruel and destructive to the creatures of Heaven...”. King Shou became a corrupt ruler, forfeiting the good of his people, but more importantly, of god's people. King Shou, therefore, defied God and should lose god's mandated

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