2 Kings 17:31
2 Kings 17:31 in Multiple Translations
the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of the Sepharvaim.
And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites gave their children to be burned in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites sacrificed their children as burnt offerings to their gods Adrammelech and Anammelech.
And the Auims made Nibhaz, and Tartak: and the Sepharuims burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech, and Anammelech the gods of Sepharuaim.
and the Avites have made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites are burning their sons with fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, gods of Sepharvim.
and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
And the Hevites made Nebahaz and Tharthac. And they that were of Sepharvaim burnt their children in fire, to Adramelech and Anamelech the gods of Sepharvaim.
The people of Avva made idols to represent their gods Nibhaz and Tartak. The people from Sepharvaim sacrificed their own children. They completely burned them in pits where hot fires were kept burning, as offerings to their gods Adrammelech and Anammelech.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 17:31
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 17:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/עַוִּ֛ים
עָשׂ֥וּ
נִבְחַ֖ז
וְ/אֶת
תַּרְתָּ֑ק
וְ/הַ/סְפַרְוִ֗ים
שֹׂרְפִ֤ים
אֶת
בְּנֵי/הֶם֙
בָּ/אֵ֔שׁ
לְ/אַדְרַמֶּ֥לֶךְ
וַֽ/עֲנַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
אלה
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ספרים
סְפַרְוָֽיִם
וְ/הָ/עַוִּ֛ים
ʻAvvîy
H5757
Avites
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
עָשׂ֥וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נִבְחַ֖ז
Nibchaz
H5026
Nibhaz
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
תַּרְתָּ֑ק
Tartâq
H8662
Tartak
N-proper
וְ/הַ/סְפַרְוִ֗ים
Çᵉpharvîy
H5616
Sepharvaim
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
שֹׂרְפִ֤ים
sâraph
H8313
to burn
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵי/הֶם֙
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
בָּ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
לְ/אַדְרַמֶּ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂdrammelek
H152
Adrammelech
Prep | N-proper
וַֽ/עֲנַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
ʻĂnammelek
H6048
Anammelech
Conj | N-proper
אלה
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
ספרים
Çᵉpharvayim
H5617
Sepharvaim
N-proper
סְפַרְוָֽיִם
Çᵉpharvayim
H5617
Sepharvaim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 17:31
וְ/הָ/עַוִּ֛ים
ʻAvvîy
H5757
"Avites"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
The Avites were the native people of Avvah, a city in Assyria. The name Avite means perverters, implying a people who had turned away from God's laws. They are mentioned in the Bible as one of the groups that inhabited the region of Avvah.
Definition: Avite = "perverters" inhabitants of Ava or Ivah Another spelling of iv.vah (עַוָּה "Ivvah" H5755)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Avims, Avites. See also: Joshua 13:3; 2 Kings 17:31.
עָשׂ֥וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
נִבְחַ֖ז
Nibchaz
H5026
"Nibhaz"
N-proper
Nibhaz was a deity worshipped by the Avites, introduced to Samaria by King Shalmaneser. The idol had the figure of a dog, symbolizing its name which means the barker. It is mentioned in 2 Kings 17:24.
Definition: § Nibhaz = "the barker" a deity of the Avites introduced by them into Samaria in the time of Shalmaneser; idol had the figure of a dog
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Nibhaz. See also: 2 Kings 17:31.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תַּרְתָּ֑ק
Tartâq
H8662
"Tartak"
N-proper
Tartak was a deity worshipped by the Avvites in Samaria, often depicted as a dark prince. The Bible mentions this idol in the context of foreign gods.
Definition: § Tartak = "prince of darkness" one of the deities of the Avite people of Samaria according to tradition, worshipped under the form of an ass
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Tartak. See also: 2 Kings 17:31.
וְ/הַ/סְפַרְוִ֗ים
Çᵉpharvîy
H5616
"Sepharvaim"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
A Sepharvite was an inhabitant of Sepharvaim, a city in Syria conquered by the king of Assyria. The name Sepharvaim means enumeration, suggesting a place of counting or record-keeping. The city is mentioned in 2 Kings.
Definition: Sepharvites see Sepharvaim = "enumeration" an inhabitant of Sepharvaim Another spelling of se.phar.va.yim (סְפַרְוַ֫יִם "Sepharvaim" H5617)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Sepharvite. See also: 2 Kings 17:31.
שֹׂרְפִ֤ים
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנֵי/הֶם֙
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בָּ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לְ/אַדְרַמֶּ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂdrammelek
H152
"Adrammelech"
Prep | N-proper
Adrammelech was the name of an Assyrian idol and also the name of a son of King Sennacherib, who murdered his father in 2 Kings 19:37. The name means 'honour of the king' or 'Adar is prince', and is associated with the Sepharvites, a group that introduced this idol to Israel. It is mentioned in the time of the Divided Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.19.37; son of: Sennacherib (H5576); brother of: Sharezer (H8272) and Esarhaddon (H0634) § Adrammelech = "honour of the king" or "Adar is prince" or "Adar is Counsellor, Decider" 1) an idol or god of the Sepharvites, introduced to Israel by Shalmaneser the fifth 2) the son and murderer of Sennacherib
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Adrammelech. See also: 2 Kings 17:31; 2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38.
וַֽ/עֲנַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
ʻĂnammelek
H6048
"Anammelech"
Conj | N-proper
Anammelech was a false god worshipped by the Assyrians and introduced to Israel during the monarchy, with its name meaning image of the king, and was accompanied by another god named Adrammelech.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ki.17.31 § Anammelech = "image of the king" an Assyrian false god introduced to Israel during the monarchy; worshipped with rites resembling those of Molech; companion god of 'Adrammelech'
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Anammelech. See also: 2 Kings 17:31.
אלה
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
ספרים
Çᵉpharvayim
H5617
"Sepharvaim"
N-proper
Sepharvaim was a city in Syria, possibly located near the Euphrates River above Babylon. The city was conquered by the king of Assyria and is mentioned in the book of 2 Kings, where it is associated with the worship of false gods.
Definition: Sepharvaim = "the two Sipparas" a city in Syria conquered by the king of Assyria 1a) perhaps near the modern 'Mosaib' and on the Euphrates above Babylon Also named: se.phar.vi (סְפַרְוִי "Sepharvaim" H5616)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. See also: 2 Kings 17:24; 2 Kings 19:13; Isaiah 36:19.
סְפַרְוָֽיִם
Çᵉpharvayim
H5617
"Sepharvaim"
N-proper
Sepharvaim was a city in Syria, possibly located near the Euphrates River above Babylon. The city was conquered by the king of Assyria and is mentioned in the book of 2 Kings, where it is associated with the worship of false gods.
Definition: Sepharvaim = "the two Sipparas" a city in Syria conquered by the king of Assyria 1a) perhaps near the modern 'Mosaib' and on the Euphrates above Babylon Also named: se.phar.vi (סְפַרְוִי "Sepharvaim" H5616)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. See also: 2 Kings 17:24; 2 Kings 19:13; Isaiah 36:19.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 17:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 17:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:31
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
- Sermons on 2 Kings 17:31
Context — Samaria Resettled
29Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places.
30The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima,
31the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim.
32So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places. 33They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 17:24 | Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 17:17 | They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:37 | One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 12:28 | Be careful to obey all these things I command you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God. |
| 5 | Leviticus 18:21 | You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. |
| 6 | Ezra 4:9 | From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 12:31 | You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. |
2 Kings 17:31 Summary
This verse describes the idolatrous practices of the Avvites and Sepharvites, who worshiped false gods and even sacrificed their children to them. This is a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15. Just like the Israelites in 2 Kings 17, we can easily fall into idolatrous patterns if we're not careful, such as prioritizing material possessions or personal achievements over our relationship with God, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 6:24. By recognizing the idolatrous tendencies in our own hearts and turning to God in repentance, we can avoid the devastating consequences of idolatry and instead experience the joy and freedom of worshiping the one true God, as seen in Psalm 16:11 and John 8:31-32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Avvites making Nibhaz and Tartak in 2 Kings 17:31?
The Avvites making Nibhaz and Tartak indicates their idolatrous practices, similar to the idolatry condemned in Deuteronomy 12:3 and Jeremiah 10:2-5, highlighting the widespread nature of idolatry among the nations in 2 Kings 17:29-41.
Why did the Sepharvites burn their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech?
The Sepharvites' practice of burning their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech was a form of human sacrifice, a horrific act that was strictly forbidden by God in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:31, demonstrating the depth of their spiritual depravity.
What can we learn from the idolatrous practices mentioned in 2 Kings 17:31?
The idolatrous practices mentioned in 2 Kings 17:31 serve as a warning against the dangers of idolatry, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:19-22, and remind us of the importance of worshiping the one true God, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Kings 17?
2 Kings 17:31 contributes to the overall theme of the chapter, which highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry, as seen in 2 Kings 17:7-23, and serves as a reminder of God's judgment on those who reject Him, as seen in 2 Kings 17:24-41.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I guard my heart against them, as warned in 1 John 5:21?
- How can I balance my cultural heritage with my commitment to worshiping the one true God, as seen in Acts 17:22-31?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the warning against idolatry in 2 Kings 17:31 to my everyday life, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2?
- In what ways can I be a light for God in a world that is often filled with idolatry and darkness, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a greater awareness of the dangers of idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel 1:1-28?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:31
And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak,.... The former of which is represented by the Jews in the shape of a dog, deriving the word from "nabach", to bark, as if it was the same with the Anubis
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:31
And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
2 Kings 17:31 And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.Ver. 31. Made Nibhaz and Tartak.] A dog and an ass, as 2 Kings 17:30. So the Africans worshipped a dog; the Persians, a cock; the Mendesians, a goat, &c. The people of the East Indies, in the isle Ceylon, having an ape’ s tooth got from them which they had consecrated, offered an incredible mass of treasure to recover it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
(31) Nibhaz and Tartak are unknown, but the forms have an Assyrio-Babylonian cast. (Comp. Nimrod, Nergal with the former, and Ishtar, Namtar, Merodach, Shadrach, with the latter.) Before Nibhaz the LXX. have another name, Abaazar, or Eblazer (? ’abal Assûr “the Son of Assur”). Adrammelech.—Comp. 2 Kings 19:37. Identified by Schrader with the Assyrian Adar-mâlik, “Adar is prince” (? Adrum).Anammelech—i.e., Anum-mâlik, “Anu is prince.” Adar and Anu are well-known Assyrian gods.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
Verse 31. The Avites made Nibhaz] This was supposed to be the same as the Anubis of the Egyptians; and was in form partly of a dog, and partly of a man. A very ancient image of this kind now lies before me: it is cut out of stone, about seven inches high; has the body, legs, and arms, of a man; the head and feet of a dog; the thighs and legs covered with scales; the head crowned with a tiara; the arms crossed upon the breasts, with the fingers clenched. The figure stands upright, and the belly is very protuberant. See below. 2Kg 17:41. And Tartak] This is supposed by some to be another name of the same idol; Jarchi says it was in the shape of an ass. Some think these were the representations of the sun in his chariot; Nibhaz representing the solar orb, and Tartak the chariot. See below. 2Kg 17:41. Adrammelech] From אדר adar, glorious, and מלך melech, king. Probably the sun.
Anammelech] From anah, to return, and מלך melech, king. Probably, the Moloch of the Ammonites. Jarchi says, the first was in the form of a mule, the second in the form of a horse; this was probably the moon.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:31
31. And the Avites [R.V. Avvites] made Nibhaz] Of Nibhaz (for which the LXX. gives a very different word, Ἐβλαζὲρ) nothing is known with certainty. The Jewish commentators explain the word as connected with a root signifying ‘to bark’, and say that the idol was a human figure with a dog’s head. The dog was worshipped, or rather some divinity represented with a dog’s head, by the Egyptians. And the want of any better information forces us to be content with supposing that the explanation of the Rabbis may be correct. The varied form of the name in the LXX. seems however to throw doubt on the form Nibhaz. and Tartak] The same Jewish tradition represents Tartak as worshipped under the form of an ass. But there is very little evidence that such a form was used anywhere as a representation of a divinity. The ass in hieroglyphics is the symbol of the Egyptian Typho, but there is no proof that Typho was worshipped under this form. Others suggest that the word is of Persian origin and signifies ‘intense darkness’.
Thus they arrive at the idea that Tartak represents the planet of ill-luck. the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire] This was a species of Moloch-worship, and the names given to the divinities indicate this. Adrammelech is explained as the male power of the Sun, and Anammelech as the female power. So that the worship of the Sepharvites would be that of the Sun-god. This agrees with what Berosus (Frag. 7) says in explanation of the name Sippara, which is identified with Sepharvaim. He calls it ἡλίουπόλιν, the city of the Sun.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:31
Nibhaz and Tartak are either gods of whom no other notice has come down to us, or intentional corruptions of the Babylonian names Nebo and Tir, the great god of Borsippa, who was the tutelar deity of so many Babylonian kings.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:31
31. Nibhaz and Tartak, idols of the Avites, are also unknown, save that rabbinical conjecture assigns to Nibhaz the form of a dog, and to Tartak the form of an ass. Of the character of the gods of Sepharvaim more can be said.
Sermons on 2 Kings 17:31
| Sermon | Description | |
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Exposing the Occult by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and observations of occult involvement and spiritual invasion. He recounts witnessing a young man in church who appeared to |
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Obedience Brings Blessing by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that obedience to God's commands leads to blessings for both individuals and their descendants, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 12:28. He clarifies that whil |
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Contract on Children - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the dark reality of the worship of Moloch, highlighting the extreme sacrifices and atrocities committed in the name of power and supernatural influence. It |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker introduces the theme of the conference, which is "faith unto enlargement through adversity." The speaker refers to Psalm 118 as the Passover Hosanna Son |