### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çᵉpharvayim**, represented by `{{H5617}}`, is a place name associated with the **Sepharvites**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The word primarily functions as a geographical marker for a city-state conquered by Assyria, whose inhabitants were part of a larger forced resettlement into Samaria.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` is introduced as one of the places from which the king{H4428} of Assyria{H804} brought{H935} people to resettle the cities{H5892} of Samaria{H8111} after the exile of the Israelites [[2 Kings 17:24]]. Later, Assyrian officials use **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` as an example of their military might, tauntingly asking where the gods{H430} and the king{H4428} of the city{H5892} are, implying they were powerless to deliver{H5337} the city from Assyria's hand{H3027} ([[2 Kings 18:34]]; [[2 Kings 19:13]]; [[Isaiah 36:19]]; [[Isaiah 37:13]]). The people of this city are specifically mentioned for their idolatrous practices; the Sepharvites{H5616} burnt{H8313} their children{H1121} in fire{H784} to their gods{H430}, Adrammelech{H152} and Anammelech{H6048} [[2 Kings 17:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` in scripture:
* `{{H5616}}` **Çᵉpharvîy** (a Sepharvite or inhabitant of Sepharvain): This term identifies the people from **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}`, linking them directly to the practice of worshipping the deities Adrammelech and Anammelech [[2 Kings 17:31]].
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria): This refers to the dominant empire whose king{H4428} conquered **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` and used its people to populate Samaria{H8111}, establishing the historical setting for these events [[2 Kings 17:24]].
* `{{H8111}}` **Shômᵉrôwn** (Samaria): As the "watch-station" and capital of the northern kingdom of Israel{H3478}, it became the new home for the Sepharvites and others after the Israelite exile, and was the city the gods{H430} of **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` failed to deliver{H5337} from Assyrian power ([[2 Kings 17:24]]; [[2 Kings 18:34]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes:
* **The Powerlessness of Idols:** Assyrian officials use the conquest of **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` to argue that false gods{H430} have no power to save their people, questioning, "where are the gods{H430} of Sepharvaim... have they delivered{H5337} Samaria{H8111} out of mine hand{H3027}?" ([[2 Kings 18:34]]; [[Isaiah 36:19]]).
* **Judgment and Foreign Influence:** The resettlement of the Sepharvites into Samaria{H8111} demonstrates the consequences of Israel's{H3478} disobedience, leading to the land being possessed{H3423} by foreign peoples with their own gods{H430} [[2 Kings 17:24]].
* **Depravity of Pagan Worship:** The account highlights the extreme nature of the idolatry brought into the land, as the Sepharvites{H5616} were known to burn{H8313} their children{H1121} in fire{H784} as offerings to their gods{H430}, Adrammelech{H152} and Anammelech{H6048} [[2 Kings 17:31]].
### Summary
In summary, **Çᵉpharvayim** `{{H5617}}` functions as more than a geographical location. It represents a conquered people whose kings and gods were defeated, serving as a case study in the futility of idolatry. Its story is integral to understanding the Assyrian exile, the subsequent repopulation of Samaria, and the stark contrast between the powerless gods of the nations and the God of Israel.
TRV