of foreign origin; Nergal, a Cuthite deity; Nergal.
Transliteration:Nêrᵉgal
Pronunciation:nare-gal'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נֵרְגַּל (Nêrᵉgal), transliterated as Nergal, is a proper noun referring to a specific foreign deity. Its base definition explicitly states its "foreign origin," indicating it is not a native Israelite concept or name for God. Nergal was a prominent Mesopotamian god, particularly revered in Cuthah (modern Tell Ibrahim), a city in Sumer. He was widely associated with the underworld, plague, pestilence, and war, often depicted as a lion-headed human or a lion. As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow, pointing exclusively to this specific deity. Its inclusion in the biblical text is not to describe an attribute of God, but to identify a false god worshipped by foreign peoples.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נֵרְגַּל (Nêrᵉgal) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 17:30]]. This single occurrence is highly significant for understanding its contextual role. The passage in [[2 Kings 17]] describes the Assyrian policy of deporting conquered peoples and resettling others in their place, specifically in Samaria, after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Cuthites, brought from Cuthah, are explicitly stated to have made "Nergal" their god: "And the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima." This verse serves as a crucial historical and theological commentary on the religious syncretism that plagued the land of Israel after the exile of the ten tribes. The worship of Nergal by the Cuthites illustrates the introduction of pagan deities into the Promised Land, contributing to the spiritual defilement that was anathema to Yahweh's covenant with Israel. The mention of Nergal alongside other foreign gods like Succoth-Benoth, Ashima, Nibhaz, Tartak, Adrammelech, and Anammelech (`{{H6066}}`, `{{H6220}}`) highlights the pervasive nature of idolatry and the direct violation of the First Commandment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Nergal is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical theme of idolatry and the worship of foreign gods. It stands in direct opposition to the exclusive worship of Yahweh `{{H3068}}`. The context of [[2 Kings 17]] places Nergal among a pantheon of other non-Israelite deities, such as Succoth-Benoth, Ashima, Nibhaz, and Tartak, all brought by various groups resettled in Samaria. The concept of "syncretism," the blending of different religious beliefs and practices, is central to understanding Nergal's biblical mention. The narrative also implicitly contrasts the powerlessness of these foreign gods, including Nergal, with the omnipotence and sovereignty of Yahweh, who alone was capable of bringing judgment upon Israel and controlling the nations. The people associated with Nergal are the Cuthites, emphasizing the foreign origin of this particular form of idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Nergal in the biblical text carries profound theological significance. Firstly, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent temptation of idolatry that plagued Israel and ultimately led to the Northern Kingdom's downfall. The worship of foreign deities like Nergal was a direct violation of God's covenant and His command for exclusive devotion. Secondly, it underscores God's absolute demand for monotheistic worship; the very presence and worship of Nergal demonstrate the spiritual apostasy of the land. The narrative in [[2 Kings 17]] is a theological explanation for the Assyrian exile and the subsequent religious pollution of Samaria. The introduction of Nergal by the Cuthites illustrates the consequences of Israel's failure to maintain the purity of their worship. Finally, the mention of Nergal, a powerful deity in Mesopotamian cosmology, within the biblical narrative implicitly asserts Yahweh's supremacy. These foreign gods, though revered by their adherents, are ultimately powerless and false in the face of the one true God, Yahweh.
### Summary
Nêrᵉgal (`{{H5370}}`) is a proper noun referring to a prominent Mesopotamian deity associated with the underworld, plague, and war, specifically worshipped by the Cuthites. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[2 Kings 17:30]] is crucial for understanding the historical and theological context of religious syncretism in Samaria after the Assyrian deportations. The mention of Nergal highlights the pervasive idolatry that led to Israel's spiritual decline and subsequent judgment, serving as a powerful reminder of God's demand for exclusive worship and the ultimate futility of worshipping false gods in contrast to the sovereign Yahweh.
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