The Hebrew word Nibchaz, represented by H5026, is a term of foreign origin that refers to a deity of the Avites. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific and rare term.
The sole appearance of H5026 is in 2 Kings 17:31. The verse states that "the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak." This act is recorded as part of a larger account of the various peoples settled in Samaria. The worship of Nibhaz is listed immediately before the description of the Sepharvites, who burnt H8313 their children H1121 in the fire H784 to their own gods H430, Adrammelech and Anammelech.
Several related words from its single context illuminate the nature of this foreign worship:
- H5757 ʻAvvîy (Avites): This term identifies the people who worshipped Nibhaz, defined as "an Avvite or native of Avvah."
- H8662 Tartâq (Tartak): Mentioned in the same phrase, this is another deity "of foreign derivation" that the Avites made.
- H152 ʼĂdrammelek (Adrammelech): One of the gods H430 of the Sepharvites, defined as "splendor of (the) king," to whom children were sacrificed in the same passage.
- H8313 sâraph (to be on fire): This root is used to describe how the Sepharvites burnt their children, highlighting the severe nature of the idolatry associated with this context.
The theological weight of H5026 lies entirely in its negative example as a foreign idol.
- Idolatrous Creation: The Avites H5757 are said to have "made" H6213 Nibhaz, emphasizing the human origin of this idol in direct opposition to the one true God Genesis 1:1.
- Association with Detestable Practices: The mention of Nibhaz is directly linked to the horrific practice of child sacrifice by the Sepharvites, who burnt H8313 their children to their gods 2 Kings 17:31. This frames the worship of Nibhaz within a context of practices explicitly forbidden by God.
- Condemnation of False Worship: This type of worship stands in stark contrast to God's commands. Regarding the burning of sons, God states it was something "which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind" Jeremiah 19:5.
In summary, H5026 Nibhaz represents a foreign deity whose worship is mentioned as a specific example of idolatry. Its sole appearance in scripture 2 Kings 17:31 serves to illustrate the syncretic and condemned religious practices of the peoples settled in Samaria. While a minor figure, Nibhaz stands as a clear marker of the foreign worship that the biblical narrative consistently opposes.
TRV