2 Kings 17:31

KJV

And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Avites {H5757} made {H6213} Nibhaz {H5026} and Tartak {H8662}, and the Sepharvites {H5616} burnt {H8313} their children {H1121} in fire {H784} to Adrammelech {H152} and Anammelech {H6048}, the gods {H430} of Sepharvaim {H5617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the 'Avim made Nivchaz and Tartak, and the S'farvim burned up their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adramelekh and 'Anamelekh the gods of S'farvayim.

Berean Standard Bible

the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim.

American Standard Version

and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:31 offers a stark glimpse into the syncretistic religious landscape that emerged in the former Northern Kingdom of Israel after the Assyrian conquest and resettlement. It explicitly details the pagan practices of two specific groups, the Avites and the Sepharvites, highlighting their devotion to obscure deities like Nibhaz, Tartak, Adrammelech, and Anammelech, with the latter involving the horrific act of child sacrifice. This verse underscores the deep spiritual corruption that permeated the land, a direct affront to Yahweh's exclusive claim on worship and a vivid illustration of the abominations that led to divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of [2 Kings 17](/2-kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - Fall of Samaria and Its Aftermath"), a pivotal chapter detailing the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. Following the deportation of the Israelites, the Assyrian king implemented a policy of population transfer, bringing various foreign peoples to resettle the land. Verses [2 Kings 17:24-33](/2-kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24-33 - Foreign Settlers and Their Idolatry") specifically describe these new inhabitants and their religious practices. Verse 31, in particular, serves as a concrete example of the diverse and often abhorrent forms of idolatry introduced, demonstrating the spiritual vacuum filled by paganism and the subsequent syncretism that developed as these peoples attempted to worship Yahweh alongside their own gods. It contributes to the author's theological explanation for why God's judgment persisted in the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian policy of forced population transfer, as seen in [2 Kings 17:6](/2-kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel Exiled to Assyria") and [2 Kings 17:24](/2-kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - Foreigners Settle Samaria"), was a common imperial strategy designed to break national identity, prevent rebellion, and integrate conquered territories into the Assyrian Empire. The Avites and Sepharvites were among these transplanted groups, originating from Avva and Sepharvaim, likely regions within Mesopotamia or Syria. Their religious practices, including the worship of deities like Nibhaz, Tartak, Adrammelech, and Anammelech, reflect the polytheistic landscape of the ancient Near East. The mention of child sacrifice to Adrammelech and Anammelech is particularly significant, as this was a practice vehemently condemned by Yahweh (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abomination of Child Sacrifice")), linking these deities to the abhorrent cult of Molech.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in [2 Kings](/2-kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the Deuteronomistic History. Foremost is the theme of **idolatry** and its pervasive nature, demonstrating how foreign gods and their associated abominable practices, such as child sacrifice, directly challenged Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship. It highlights the dangers of **syncretism**, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with pagan rituals, leading to spiritual corruption rather than genuine devotion. The verse also implicitly underscores the theme of **divine judgment**, as these practices were precisely what God had warned against and what ultimately led to the exile of Israel and the continued spiritual decline of the land. Finally, it emphasizes the **moral depravity** that results when humanity deviates from God's standards, creating gods in their own image and engaging in practices that violate the sanctity of human life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adrammelech (Hebrew, _'adrammelekh'_):** This deity's name likely means "Adar is king" or "magnificent king," suggesting a connection to the Mesopotamian god Adar (also known as Adad or Hadad), a storm and fertility deity. The suffix "-melech" (מֶלֶךְ), meaning "king," is also found in the name of Molech, the Canaanite deity to whom child sacrifices were offered. This linguistic connection underscores the horrific nature of the worship, often associated with powerful, demanding deities requiring extreme devotion, including human sacrifice.
* **Anammelech (Hebrew, _'anammelekh'_):** Similarly, this name could mean "Anu is king" or "responded king," linking it to Anu, the chief sky god in the Sumerian and Akkadian pantheon. The association with such a high-ranking deity in the Mesopotamian pantheon further emphasizes the perceived power and importance of the god for whom such a heinous act as child sacrifice was performed. The shared "-melech" suffix with Adrammelech and Molech reinforces the thematic link to child sacrifice.
* **"burnt their children in fire" (Hebrew, _śārap bā'ēš_):** This phrase is a direct and chilling description of child sacrifice, a practice explicitly forbidden and abhorrent to Yahweh (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abomination of Child Sacrifice")). It signifies the ultimate act of devotion and propitiation in pagan cults, demonstrating the extreme lengths to which devotees would go to appease their gods. The phrase is stark and leaves no ambiguity about the nature of the act, highlighting its moral depravity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak,"**: This clause introduces the first group of foreign settlers, the Avites, and their specific deities, Nibhaz and Tartak. The verb "made" (עָשׂוּ, _'āśû_) suggests the creation of idols or images for worship, a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Israel ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods, No Idols")). Nibhaz and Tartak are obscure deities, possibly zoomorphic (dog-headed or donkey-headed) or associated with underworld/darkness, illustrating the diverse and often bizarre forms of pagan worship.
* **"and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire"**: This second clause introduces another group, the Sepharvites, and their far more egregious practice. The phrase "burnt their children in fire" is a horrifying description of child sacrifice, a ritual act of propitiation or dedication to a deity. This practice was a profound abomination to Yahweh, representing the ultimate perversion of life and a stark contrast to His covenantal love and demand for holiness.
* **"to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim."**: This final segment specifies the recipients of the Sepharvites' sacrifices: Adrammelech and Anammelech. These are identified as "the gods of Sepharvaim," emphasizing their local, pagan origin and their distinctness from the God of Israel. The act of child sacrifice was performed as an offering to these specific deities, highlighting the depth of their devotion and the extreme demands of their false worship.

#### Literary Devices
The author of 2 Kings employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of the spiritual situation. There is a clear **Juxtaposition** between the two clauses, contrasting the relatively obscure idol-making of the Avites with the profoundly disturbing child sacrifice of the Sepharvites. This highlights a spectrum of idolatrous practices, with the latter serving as the ultimate example of pagan depravity. The use of **Cataloguing** or **Listing** (Avites, Sepharvites, Nibhaz, Tartak, Adrammelech, Anammelech) emphasizes the widespread and diverse nature of the foreign idolatry that infiltrated the land, underscoring the spiritual chaos that ensued. Furthermore, the stark, almost clinical description "burnt their children in fire" functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Euphemism**, allowing the sheer horror of the act to resonate without overly emotive language. This directness makes the abomination even more impactful, inviting the reader to confront the moral implications of such worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a chilling testament to the depths of human depravity when alienated from the one true God and the severe consequences of spiritual syncretism. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive worship, revealing the profound offense of idolatry, especially when it involves the sacrifice of innocent human life. The practices described here are not merely different ways of worshiping; they are an explicit rebellion against the Creator's moral order and His covenant with Israel. The shedding of innocent blood, particularly that of children, for the appeasement of false gods, represents the ultimate perversion of worship and a direct assault on the sanctity of life, which is divinely ordained. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful warning against any compromise with ungodly practices and highlights the destructive nature of spiritual infidelity.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech")
* [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abomination of Child Sacrifice to Gods")
* [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in Topheth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality presented in 2 Kings 17:31 serves as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of idolatry and syncretism. While we may not literally "burn our children in fire" to stone idols today, the principle remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle, yet equally destructive, forms: the worship of wealth, power, status, personal comfort, or even self-image. Anything that takes God's rightful place as supreme in our hearts and lives becomes an idol. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to identify and dismantle any "altars" we might have unwittingly erected to worldly philosophies or cultural norms that contradict God's truth. It challenges us to maintain absolute, unwavering devotion to Christ, rejecting any attempt to mix His pure gospel with humanistic ideologies or practices that dilute its power. The abhorrent practice of child sacrifice also reminds us of the profound value God places on human life, especially the most vulnerable, prompting us to champion life and protect the innocent in our world today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the modern "gods" or idols that subtly compete for our ultimate devotion and allegiance in today's society?**
* **In what ways might spiritual syncretism manifest in contemporary Christian practice or personal faith, blending biblical truth with worldly values?**
* **How does the biblical condemnation of child sacrifice inform our understanding of the sanctity of human life, particularly the unborn and vulnerable, in our current cultural context?**

### FAQ
**Who were Nibhaz and Tartak, and why are they mentioned alongside Adrammelech and Anammelech?**

Answer: Nibhaz and Tartak were deities worshipped by the Avites, one of the foreign groups resettled in Samaria by the Assyrians. Unlike Adrammelech and Anammelech, who are more clearly linked to known Mesopotamian deities (Adad/Hadad and Anu, respectively) and associated with the horrific practice of child sacrifice, Nibhaz and Tartak are much more obscure. Scholarly speculation suggests Nibhaz might have been a dog-headed deity, possibly related to an underworld god, while Tartak could have been a donkey-headed deity or a god associated with darkness or the underworld. Their inclusion in [2 Kings 17:31](/2-kings/17-31 "2 Kings 17:31 - Pagan Gods of Settlers") highlights the diverse and often bizarre pantheon of gods brought into the land, emphasizing the widespread nature of the idolatry that corrupted the spiritual landscape of the former Northern Kingdom. The text lists them together to illustrate the comprehensive spiritual defilement introduced by the foreign settlers, showcasing the variety of gods they served.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gruesome idolatry described in 2 Kings 17:31, particularly the abomination of child sacrifice, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless condemnation of human sacrifice, epitomized by the practices of the Sepharvites, points forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of God's own Son. Unlike the pagan gods who demanded the blood of innocents, the true God, in Christ, *gave* His innocent Son as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This singular, sufficient sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")) completely abrogates the need for any human offering, demonstrating God's boundless love and His provision for atonement without human cost. Furthermore, the call for exclusive worship of Yahweh in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Covenant's demand for exclusive devotion to Christ, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, Image of God") and through whom alone we have access to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life")). Believers are called to [flee from idolatry](/1-corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry") in all its forms, recognizing that any allegiance divided from Christ is spiritual adultery, and that true worship is found in Him alone, for in Him [all the fullness of God dwells bodily](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 17:24

¶ And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

2 Kings 17:17

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

2 Kings 19:37

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Leviticus 18:21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Ezra 4:9

Then [wrote] Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, [and] the Elamites,

Deuteronomy 12:31

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Deuteronomy 12:28

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest [that which is] good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.