The name Sharʼetser, represented by H8272, is of foreign derivation and is used for both an Assyrian and an Israelite. It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses. The name, also rendered Sherezer, is associated with two starkly different narratives: one of violent political succession and another of spiritual inquiry.
In the biblical narrative, H8272 first appears in parallel accounts as the name of an Assyrian prince. Sharezer and his brother Adrammelech H152 smote H5221 their father, the king, with the sword H2719 while he was worshipping H7812 in the house H1004 of his god H430, Nisroch H5268. After the assassination, they escaped H4422 to the land H776 of Armenia H780 (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38). In a completely different context, an Israelite named Sherezer H8272 is mentioned as being sent H7971 with Regemmelech H7278 to the house of God H1004 H410 to pray H2470 before the LORD H3068 Zechariah 7:2.
Several related words provide context for the actions associated with the name Sharʼetser:
- H152 ʼĂdrammelek (splendor of (the) king): This is the name of Shar'etser's brother, who acted alongside him in smiting their father Isaiah 37:38.
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike, kill, smite): This verb describes the violent action Shar'etser and his brother took against the Assyrian king 2 Kings 19:37.
- H7278 Regem Melek (king's heap): This is the name of the Israelite who accompanied Sherezer on the mission to the house of God Zechariah 7:2.
- H2470 châlâh (to entreat, pray, make prayer): This word defines the purpose of Sherezer's mission, highlighting a peaceful and pious act of seeking the LORD Zechariah 7:2.
The theological significance of H8272 is found in the contrasting events where the name appears.
- Judgment on Idolatry: The story of the Assyrian Sharezer illustrates a moment of violent upheaval tied directly to false worship. The king is struck down in the very house H1004 of his idol, Nisroch H5268, and his own sons H1121 become the instruments of his demise Isaiah 37:38.
- Seeking Divine Counsel: The story of the Israelite Sherezer demonstrates a proper approach to God. He is part of a delegation sent specifically to pray H2470 and inquire before the LORD H3068 at the house of God H1004 H410, representing a community turning to God for guidance Zechariah 7:2.
- Contrasting Fates: The two narratives present a stark contrast. One involves murder and exile following the worship of a false god 2 Kings 19:37, while the other involves a formal mission to seek the true God H410 in His house Zechariah 7:2.
In summary, H8272 Sharʼetser is not a theological term but a proper name appearing in two profoundly different biblical scenes. It identifies both an Assyrian prince involved in patricide and an Israelite sent on a pious mission. The name's presence in these disparate accounts serves to highlight the contrast between the violent end of a pagan ruler and the faithful inquiry of those who seek the LORD H3068.
TRV