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Jewish Prisoners Playing the Lyre Jewish captives playing the Lyre as they are led away. The ten tribes of Israel were condemned by God for their rebellion and idolatry. God raised up an invincible army to plunder them, the ancient Assyrians. This sketch is from an actual discovery in the ruins of ancient Assyria, and shows Jewish prisoners being led away through a thick forest in the mountains. The Assyrian soldier is carrying a club, with bow and arrows. Notice the Hebrews have long tunics with bare feet, and one of them has his head uncovered. The distinct Jewish features are the peculiar haircut and short, thick beards. The Bible reveals that the Jews were compelled to play the Lyre as they were carried away. Notice also the Assyrians boots. The boots are reminiscent of the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah, 'the stamping warriors boot' relating to the ultimate destruction of all who would come against God's people (Isaiah 9:5). For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. Psalm 137:3
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