Sepharvim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian conquest and resettlement policies. The name "Sepharvim" appears in the historical narrative concerning the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the subsequent resettlement of foreign peoples in Samaria.

Biblical References:

Sepharvim is referenced in 2 Kings 17:24 and 2 Kings 18:34, as well as in Isaiah 36:19. These passages describe the actions of the Assyrian Empire under King Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II, who conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and deported its inhabitants. In their place, the Assyrians brought people from various regions, including Sepharvaim, to repopulate the land of Samaria.

2 Kings 17:24 states: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns."

In 2 Kings 18:34 , during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, the Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, taunts the people of Jerusalem by questioning the power of their God compared to the gods of other nations, including those of Sepharvaim: "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand?"

Isaiah 36:19 echoes this taunt, as the Assyrian representative challenges the efficacy of the gods of the nations, including Sepharvaim, in delivering their lands from Assyrian conquest.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Sepharvaim is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to have been situated in Mesopotamia, possibly near the region of Babylon. Some scholars suggest it may have been a city or a district within the broader Babylonian or Assyrian territories. The name "Sepharvaim" itself may indicate a dual city or a city with two parts, as the suffix "-vaim" can imply duality in Hebrew.

The people of Sepharvaim, like other groups resettled by the Assyrians, brought their own religious practices and deities to Samaria. This introduction of foreign gods and customs contributed to the syncretistic religious environment that developed in the region, which was often condemned by the biblical prophets.

Religious Significance:

The mention of Sepharvaim in the biblical narrative highlights the broader theme of the power struggle between the God of Israel and the gods of the surrounding nations. The Assyrian policy of resettlement and the subsequent religious syncretism in Samaria serve as a backdrop for the prophetic calls to return to the worship of Yahweh alone.

The biblical text uses the example of Sepharvaim and other conquered peoples to emphasize the futility of relying on foreign gods for deliverance. This is particularly evident in the taunts of the Assyrian representatives, who challenge the Israelites' faith in their God by pointing to the failure of other nations' deities to protect them from Assyrian might.

In summary, Sepharvaim serves as a historical and theological reference point within the biblical narrative, illustrating the consequences of idolatry and the sovereignty of the God of Israel over all nations and their gods.Sepharvim (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 17:31
and the Avites have made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites are burning their sons with fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, gods of Sepharvim.
(YLT)

Sepharvim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sepharvim (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 17:31 and the
Avites have made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites ...
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Sephar-va'im (2 Occurrences)
Sephar-va'im. Sepharva'im, Sephar-va'im. Sepharvim . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Sepharva'im, Sephar-va'im. Sepharvim . Reference Bible.
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Sepharvites (1 Occurrence)

/s/sepharvites.htm - 7k

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