of foreign origin; Anammelek, an Assyrian deity; Anammelech.
Transliteration:ʻĂnammelek
Pronunciation:an-am-meh'-lek
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6048, עֲנַמֶּלֶךְ (ʻĂnammelek), is a proper noun referring to a specific foreign deity worshipped by the Sepharvites, a people resettled in Samaria by the Assyrian king. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this specific entity. The name itself is likely of Mesopotamian origin. While its precise etymology is debated, it is commonly understood to be a compound name. The second element, "melek" (מֶלֶךְ), strongly suggests a connection to the concept of "king" or "ruler," and by extension, to deities like Molech (`{{H4432}}`) or Milcom, often associated with child sacrifice. The first element, "Anam," is less certain but may relate to a sky god or a specific locality. Thus, Anammelek represents a distinct pagan god, part of the pantheon of deities worshipped by peoples subjugated and relocated by the Assyrian Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6048, Anammelek, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 17:31]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the historical account of the resettlement of Samaria after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria. The passage details how various foreign peoples, including the Sepharvites, were brought into the land and, in their ignorance of YHWH's ways, continued to worship their own gods.
[[2 Kings 17:31]] states: "And the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim."
The context is crucial:
1. **Syncretism:** The chapter describes a deliberate policy of the Assyrian king to populate Samaria with foreign peoples, leading to a mixing of cultures and religions. The mention of Anammelek alongside other deities (Nibhaz, Tartak, Adrammelech `{{H148}}`, Succoth-Benoth, Nergal, Ashima) highlights the widespread idolatry and syncretism that took root in the former territory of Israel.
2. **Child Sacrifice:** The most horrific aspect of Anammelek's worship, as explicitly stated, was the practice of child sacrifice. This aligns with the abominable practices associated with other Canaanite and Mesopotamian deities, particularly Molech (`{{H4432}}`), and underscores the moral depravity inherent in such worship from a biblical perspective. This practice was strictly forbidden by YHWH's law (e.g., [[Leviticus 18:21]], [[Deuteronomy 18:10]]).
3. **Divine Judgment:** The entire chapter of 2 Kings 17 serves as a theological explanation for the downfall of the Northern Kingdom, attributing it to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to YHWH. The introduction of foreign gods like Anammelek by the new inhabitants further emphasizes the spiritual corruption of the land, reinforcing the severity of YHWH's judgment against all forms of idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H6048 naturally connects to several broader biblical themes and specific terms:
* **Adrammelech (`{{H148}}`):** Anammelek is almost always mentioned in conjunction with Adrammelech, as they were both deities worshipped by the Sepharvites and associated with child sacrifice. They appear as a pair, suggesting a complementary or dualistic aspect within the Sepharvite pantheon.
* **Molech (`{{H4432}}`):** The "melek" component in Anammelek strongly links it to the infamous Canaanite god Molech (or Milcom, `{{H4445}}`), whose worship also involved child sacrifice. This connection highlights a shared abominable practice across various pagan cultures.
* **Idolatry (e.g., H457 אֱלִיל ʾĕlîl, H8441 תּוֹעֵבָה tôʿēbâ):** Anammelek is a prime example of an "idol" or "false god" (`{{H457}}`), representing the "abomination" (`{{H8441}}`) of pagan worship that YHWH strictly forbade. The Bible consistently condemns the worship of any deity other than YHWH.
* **Syncretism:** The historical context of [[2 Kings 17:31]] explicitly demonstrates religious syncretism, where different religious beliefs and practices are blended. The new inhabitants of Samaria "feared the LORD and also served their own gods" ([[2 Kings 17:33]]), a practice utterly rejected by YHWH.
* **Foreign Gods (H430 אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים ʾĕlōhîm ʾaḥērîm):** Anammelek falls under the category of "other gods" or "foreign gods" which Israel was repeatedly warned against worshipping (e.g., [[Exodus 20:3]], [[Deuteronomy 6:14]]).
* **Assyrian Culture/Deities:** The mention of Anammelek provides a glimpse into the religious practices of peoples within the Assyrian Empire, reinforcing the historical backdrop of the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The solitary mention of Anammelek, though brief, carries profound theological weight within the biblical narrative:
1. **Condemnation of Idolatry:** Anammelek stands as a stark symbol of the pagan idolatry that YHWH utterly abhors. Its worship, particularly involving child sacrifice, represents the antithesis of the just, holy, and compassionate character of YHWH. The Bible's consistent and vehement condemnation of such practices underscores the fundamental divide between the worship of the true God and the worship of false deities.
2. **The Exclusivity of YHWH:** The presence of Anammelek and other foreign gods in Samaria highlights the constant temptation for Israel to turn away from the exclusive worship of YHWH, as commanded in the first commandment ([[Exodus 20:3]]). The narrative in 2 Kings 17 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of failing to adhere to YHWH's unique claim on His people's devotion.
3. **The Abomination of Child Sacrifice:** The explicit mention of burning children to Anammelek (and Adrammelech) underscores the extreme moral degradation associated with these cults. This practice was an egregious violation of the sanctity of human life, which is created in God's image, and a direct affront to YHWH's covenantal demands. It serves as a vivid illustration of the depths of human depravity when alienated from the true God.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** Despite the proliferation of foreign gods in the land, the overarching narrative of 2 Kings 17 affirms YHWH's ultimate sovereignty. The Assyrian conquest and the subsequent resettlement, including the introduction of these deities, are presented not as a triumph of foreign gods but as instruments of YHWH's judgment against His disobedient people. Even the fear of YHWH by the new inhabitants, albeit mixed with their own worship, testifies to His power.
### Summary
H6048, Anammelek, is a proper noun designating an Assyrian deity worshipped by the Sepharvites. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 17:31]] places it within the context of the resettlement of Samaria by foreign peoples after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. The significance of Anammelek lies in its representation of the pervasive idolatry and syncretism that characterized this period, particularly the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. Theologically, Anammelek serves as a powerful symbol of the pagan abominations condemned by YHWH, highlighting the biblical emphasis on the exclusive worship of the one true God and the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy and moral depravity. Its mention reinforces the absolute distinction between the holy demands of YHWH and the corrupting influences of false religion.
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