Tammuz
“Uncertain; possibly 'sprouting of life' from Babylonian Dumuzi”
Summary
Tammuz was a Babylonian deity whose worship involved annual mourning rites, which Ezekiel saw being practiced by Israelite women at the Temple in Jerusalem.
☩The Vision of Ezekiel
The prophet Ezekiel, while in exile in Babylon, was shown in a vision the abominations being committed at the Jerusalem Temple. Among these was a scene at the north gate of the Temple where women sat 'weeping for Tammuz.' This represented one of the 'greater abominations' that provoked God's judgment against Judah, as pagan worship had penetrated even into the sacred precincts of the Temple.
☩Identity and Worship
Tammuz was a Babylonian deity associated with vegetation and fertility, corresponding to the Phoenician Adonis. The annual mourning rituals commemorated the death of Tammuz, who was believed to descend to the underworld during the hot, dry season when vegetation withered. The worship included ceremonial weeping by women, reflecting the myth of the goddess Ishtar mourning for her dead consort. The fourth month of the Hebrew calendar bears his name, indicating the depth of cultural influence this deity had achieved.
Related Verses1 mention
Ezekiel· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tammuz," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Tammuz," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tammuz," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Tammuz," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).