The Hebrew word ʼĂdrammelek, represented by H152, is defined as "splendor of (the) king." It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This name is used to identify both an Assyrian idol and a son of the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
In the biblical narrative, H152 is presented in two distinct contexts. First, it is the name of a deity worshipped by the Sepharvites H5616. These people burnt H8313 their children H1121 in fire H784 as offerings to Adrammelech and Anammelech H6048, the gods H430 of Sepharvaim H5617 2 Kings 17:31. Second, Adrammelech is the name of one of Sennacherib's sons H1121. He and his brother Sharezer H8272 smote H5221 their father with the sword H2719 while the king was worshipping H7812 his god H430 Nisroch H5268 (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38).
Several related words clarify the context surrounding Adrammelech:
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods): This word identifies Adrammelech as a deity of the Sepharvites 2 Kings 17:31. It is also used for Nisroch, the god Sennacherib was worshipping when he was killed by his sons, including Adrammelech Isaiah 37:38.
- H1121 bên (son): This term defines Adrammelech's identity as one of the sons of King Sennacherib 2 Kings 19:37. It is also used for the children who were sacrificed to the idol Adrammelech 2 Kings 17:31.
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike): This verb describes the violent act committed by Adrammelech and his brother, who smote their father, leading to his death Isaiah 37:38.
- H8313 sâraph (to be (causatively, set) on fire): This word describes the ritual associated with the idol Adrammelech, as the Sepharvites burnt their children as offerings 2 Kings 17:31.
The name H152 carries significant negative weight in the narrative, representing themes of false worship and divine judgment.
- Idolatry: The worship of the idol Adrammelech is characterized by the practice of child sacrifice, highlighting the abhorrent nature of the pagan religions mentioned in the historical books 2 Kings 17:31.
- Patricide and Treachery: As a person, Adrammelech is an agent of betrayal. He murders his own father, King Sennacherib, while the king is in the act of worshipping H7812 in the house H1004 of his god, Nisroch H5268 2 Kings 19:37.
- Powerlessness of False Gods: The narrative demonstrates the inability of false gods H430 to protect their followers. Nisroch could not save Sennacherib from his own sons H1121, and the king's demise follows his defiance of the God of Israel.
In summary, H152 is a name associated with profound corruption and violence. Whether referring to an idol demanding the lives of children H1121 or a son who murders his father, ʼĂdrammelek symbolizes the grave consequences of turning away from true worship. The name, meaning "splendor of (the) king," stands in stark ironic contrast to the dark and treacherous acts connected to it in the biblical accounts.
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