The Hebrew term Çukkôwth bᵉnôwth, represented by H5524, refers to a specific idol. Its name translates to booths of (the) daughters and is defined as brothels or idolatrous tents for impure purposes. This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a specific and noteworthy instance of pagan worship.
The sole appearance of H5524 is in 2 Kings 17:30, which describes the idolatrous practices of foreign peoples settled in Samaria. The passage states that "the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth." This act is listed alongside the creation of other idols by different groups, such as the men of Hamath who made Ashima. The context presents H5524 as a foreign deity whose worship was brought into the land, standing in direct opposition to the laws of God.
Several related words appear in the immediate context of H5524, clarifying the nature of its use:
- H6213 ʻâsâh (to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application): This verb describes the action of creating the idol, as the men of Babylon "made" Succothbenoth 2 Kings 17:30.
- H582 ʼĕnôwsh (a man in general): This word identifies the people responsible for the idolatry, specifying that the "men" of Babylon were the ones who constructed the idol 2 Kings 17:30.
- H807 ʼAshîymâʼ (Ashima, a deity of Hamath): Mentioned in the same verse, Ashima is another foreign idol created by a different group, highlighting the widespread nature of the idolatry described 2 Kings 17:30.
The theological weight of H5524 lies in its representation of pagan corruption and syncretism.
- Foreign Idolatry: Its mention in 2 Kings 17:30 serves as a direct example of foreign religious practices being imported into the land, specifically an idol made by the men of Babylon.
- Moral and Spiritual Corruption: The definition of H5524 as "booths of (the) daughters" and "idolatrous tents for impure purpose" explicitly links this form of worship with immorality, reflecting a common biblical theme where idolatry and impurity are intertwined.
- Evidence of Apostasy: Occurring in a passage that details the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, the presence of idols like Succothbenoth illustrates the spiritual decay that characterized the region after its inhabitants were exiled.
In summary, H5524 Çukkôwth bᵉnôwth is more than just the name of an ancient idol. Its singular biblical appearance in 2 Kings 17:30 marks it as a potent symbol of the foreign idolatry that infiltrated the land of Israel. The name itself, meaning "booths of the daughters," and its association with impure rites underscore the connection between false worship and moral degradation. It serves as a stark historical and theological marker of the very practices God condemned.
TRV