Reference: Tartan

An Assyrian general, sent to Jerusalem with Rabshakeh, by Sennacherib, 2Ki 18:17; and perhaps the same who captured Ashdod in the reign of Sargon, Isa 20:1.

an Assyrian word, meaning "the commander-in-chief." (1.) One of Sennacherib's messengers to Hezekiah (2Ki 18:17). (2.) One of Sargon's generals (Isa 20:1).

Next to the Assyrian king in apparent rank. The commander-in-chief, who commanded his armies in his absence (Isa 20:1). One sent against Ashdod by Sargon, distinct from Sennacherib's tartan (2Ki 18:17). After the tartan came the rubsaris, "chief eunuch," who had right of near approach to the king's person, and introduced strangers and attended to his comforts; then the rabshakeh, "chief cupbearer," representing his master in embassies.

The title borne by two Assyrian officers, one of whom was sent by Sargon to Ashdod (Isa 20:1), while the other, with the Rab-saris and the Rab-shakeh, was sent by Sennacherib to demand from Hezekiah the surrender of Jerusalem (2Ki 18:17). The word is a transcription in Heb. of the Assyrian tart

Tar'tan

The title of an Assyrian officer sent to Hezekiah. 2Ki 18:17. The same or another was sent to Ashdod. Isa 20:1. The name is supposed to signify 'commander in chief.'

Tar'tan,

which occurs only in

2Ki 18:17

and Isai 20:1 has been generally regarded as a proper name; like Rabsaris and Rabshakeh, it is more probably an official designation, and indicates the Assyrian commander-in-chief.