The Hebrew word ʻĂnammelek, represented by H6048, is the name of an Assyrian deity. This name is of foreign origin and appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a very specific and singular reference within the scripture.
The sole biblical mention of H6048 occurs in the context of idolatrous worship practices. The scripture records that the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire as offerings to Adrammelech and Anammelech, who are identified as "the gods of Sepharvaim" 2 Kings 17:31. This places Anammelech as a deity associated with human sacrifice by fire.
Several related words provide context for the nature and worship of this deity:
- H152 ʼĂdrammelek (splendor of (the) king; Adrammelek, the name of an Assyrian idol, also of a son of Sennacherib; Adrammelech.): This is the name of the deity worshipped alongside Anammelech, indicating they were a pair of gods honored by the Sepharvites 2 Kings 17:31.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God...): This term is used to categorize Anammelech as one of the "gods" of a foreign people, distinguishing this worship from that of the God of Israel 2 Kings 17:31.
- H8313 sâraph (to be (causatively, set) on fire; (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly.): This verb describes the horrific ritual act performed in service to Anammelech, where the Sepharvites "burnt" their own children 2 Kings 17:31.
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name)...): This word identifies the victims of the sacrificial worship of Anammelech as children, highlighting the extreme nature of the idolatry 2 Kings 17:31.
The theological weight of H6048 is found in its representation of forbidden worship.
- Idolatry and Human Sacrifice: The worship of Anammelech exemplifies the kind of idolatry condemned by God, specifically the abhorrent practice of burning one's children in fire 2 Kings 17:31.
- Foreign Gods: As a deity of Sepharvaim, Anammelech stands as a stark example of the foreign gods whose worship was a corruption and a turning away from the true God 2 Kings 17:31.
- Contrasted with True Worship: The act of burning children to a man-made deity is the antithesis of what the LORD requires, which is "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" Micah 6:8.
In summary, H6048 is not a broad theological concept but the specific name of a foreign god. Its only appearance in the Bible serves as a historical record of the pagan practice of child sacrifice by the Sepharvites. Anammelech thus functions as a powerful and grim illustration of the idolatry that stands in direct opposition to the worship of the God of Israel.
TRV