Adrammelech
Summary
The name of an Assyrian deity worshiped with child sacrifice by the colonists of Sepharvaim, and also the name of one of the sons who murdered King Sennacherib.
☩The Deity
Adrammelech was an idol introduced into Samaria by colonists from Sepharvaim whom the Assyrian king transplanted there. The deity was worshiped with rites resembling those of Molech, including the burning of children in fire. The name likely means "glory of the king" or "splendor of the king" and probably represented the male power of the sun, with the associated deity Anammelech representing the female aspect.
☩The Assassin
Adrammelech was also the name of a son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Together with his brother Sharezer, he murdered their father while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch in Nineveh. The two then fled to the mountains of Armenia, and their brother Esarhaddon succeeded to the throne.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Adrammelech," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Adrammelech," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Adrammelech," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).