Lexical Summary Nisrok: Nisrok Original Word: נְסִרֹךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nisroch Of foreign origin; Nisrok, a Babylonian idol -- Nisroch. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition an Assyr. god NASB Translation Nisroch (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs נִסְרֹךְ proper name, of a divinity Assyrian god, worshipped by Sennacherib, 2 Kings 19:37 = Isaiah 37:38; ᵐ5 Εσδραχ, A Εσθραχ, ᵐ5L Ασραχ(Κ); ᵐ5 Νασαραχ, א Ασαρακ, A Ασαραχ (Isaiah); JosAnt. x. 1, 5 Αρασκη; no such god in cuneiform inscriptions; see views in MeinhJesaiaerzählungen (1898) on the passage; corrupt form of Nusku (= נסוך) according to HalJas. xiii (1879), 387 = Mél. de. Crit. 177 Muss-ArnJBL xi.1 (1892), 86; Hebraica. vii. 89 R. 17; Nusku is a solar diety, compare JastrRel. Bab. 220 f. נֵעָה, נֹעָה see נוע. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Narrative Setting The proper name נְסִרֹךְ (Nisroch) appears twice in the canonical text, both in the account of the demise of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38). The context is climactic: after Yahweh’s dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege, the once-terrifying monarch retreats to Nineveh. There, “while he was worshiping in the house of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword” (2 Kings 19:37). Historical Background: Assyrian Religion and Royal Ideology Assyrian kings styled themselves the earthly regents of their gods. Temples functioned as both religious and political centers, reinforcing imperial authority. While the precise identity of Nisroch remains uncertain (some scholars connect him with Ninurta, others with a deified eagle image), the biblical text deliberately foregrounds this deity to contrast the impotence of idols with the living God of Israel. Sennacherib had mocked Yahweh (2 Kings 18:35), yet it is in the shrine of his own god that he meets his end—an irony no ancient reader would miss. Theological Significance 1. Vindication of Yahweh’s Sovereignty The death of Sennacherib inside Nisroch’s sanctuary graphically confirms Isaiah’s oracle of judgment (Isaiah 37:7). The episode proclaims that idols cannot save even their most ardent patrons, whereas the Lord defends His people and His name. Sennacherib’s blasphemous taunts (2 Kings 19:10-13) invite divine retribution. His downfall in the presence of Nisroch underlines a principle echoed throughout Scripture: “those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30). Isaiah foretold that Sennacherib would “fall by the sword in his own land” (Isaiah 37:7). The inclusion of Nisroch in the fulfillment narrative roots the prophetic word in identifiable, historical detail, reinforcing confidence in the veracity of God’s revelation. Ministry Implications and Pastoral Application • Idolatry Remains Powerless. Whether carved wood, cultural ideologies, or self-reliance, anything placed above God is ultimately futile (Isaiah 44:9-20). Preachers may employ Nisroch as an illustration of the emptiness of false worship. Christological and Eschatological Reflections The scene anticipates the ultimate triumph of the Messiah over every rival power. Just as Nisroch could not shield Sennacherib, so the “gods of this age” will prove helpless when Christ returns to judge the nations (Revelation 19:11-16). The cross and resurrection already demonstrate that the idols are judged; the final victory will consummate what was typified in the temple of Nisroch. Conclusion Nisroch is mentioned only twice, yet his brief appearance serves as a theological spotlight, contrasting lifeless idols with the living God who rules history. The account challenges God’s people to reject all substitutes for divine trust, to rest in the assurance that His word never fails, and to proclaim a gospel that dethrones every modern equivalent of Nisroch. Forms and Transliterations נִסְרֹ֣ךְ נסרך nis·rōḵ nisRoch nisrōḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 19:37 HEB: מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֜ה בֵּ֣ית ׀ נִסְרֹ֣ךְ אֱלֹהָ֗יו וְֽאַדְרַמֶּ֨לֶךְ NAS: in the house of Nisroch his god, KJV: in the house of Nisroch his god, INT: was worshiping the house of Nisroch his god Adrammelech Isaiah 37:38 2 Occurrences |
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