Anammelech is a deity mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the idolatrous practices of the people of Sepharvaim. The name Anammelech appears in 2 Kings 17:31, where it is associated with the worship practices of the Assyrian-conquered peoples who were resettled in Samaria. The verse states: "The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim."

Historical and Cultural Context

The worship of Anammelech is linked to the ancient Near Eastern practice of child sacrifice, a ritual condemned and abhorred by the God of Israel. The Sepharvites, who were relocated to Samaria by the Assyrian Empire, brought with them their own religious customs, which included the worship of Anammelech. This practice was part of a broader syncretism that occurred when foreign peoples were settled in Israelite territories, leading to a mixture of religious beliefs and practices.

Etymology and Identity

The name Anammelech is thought to be of Assyrian or Babylonian origin, though its exact meaning is uncertain. Some scholars suggest that the name could be a compound of "Anu," a Mesopotamian sky god, and "Melech," meaning "king." This interpretation would suggest that Anammelech was considered a divine king or ruler among the Sepharvites.

Biblical Significance

The mention of Anammelech in the Bible serves as a stark reminder of the idolatrous practices that were prevalent among the nations surrounding Israel. The worship of Anammelech, along with other foreign deities, was a direct violation of the first commandment given to the Israelites: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The presence of such practices in Samaria highlights the spiritual decline and syncretism that occurred after the fall of the Northern Kingdom.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the worship of Anammelech represents the dangers of idolatry and the moral corruption that can result from turning away from the worship of the one true God. The practice of child sacrifice, in particular, is depicted as a grievous sin, illustrating the extent to which the people had strayed from God's commandments. The biblical narrative consistently condemns such practices, emphasizing the holiness and justice of God in contrast to the depravity of idol worship.

Relevance for Today

The account of Anammelech serves as a cautionary tale for believers, underscoring the importance of faithfulness to God and the rejection of idolatry in all its forms. It calls Christians to examine their own lives for any practices or beliefs that may detract from their devotion to God. The account of Anammelech is a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of holiness in accordance with God's Word.Anammelech

answer; poverty of the king

Anammelech

(image of the king), one of the idols worshipped by the colonists introduced into Samaria from Sepharvaim. (2 Kings 17:31) He was worshipped with rites resembling those of Molech, and is the companion-god to Adrammelech.

Anammelech

See ADRAMMELECH.

One of the gods worshipped by the people of Sepharvaim, who colonized Samaria (2 Kings 17:31). The name means "Anu is king." It was a female deity representing the moon, as Adrammelech (q.v.) was the male representing the sun. ANAMMELECH

a-nam'-e-lek (`anammelekh = Assyrian Anu-malik, "Anu is the prince"): A Babylonian (?) deity worshipped by the Sepharvites in Samaria, after being transported there by Sargon. The worship of Adrammelech (who is mentioned with Anammelech) and Anammelech is accompanied by the sacrifice of children by fire: "The Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim" (2 Kings 17:31). This passage presents two grave difficulties. First, there is no evidence in cuneiform literature that would point to the presence of human sacrifice, by fire or otherwise, as part of the ritual; nor has it been shown that the sculptures or bas-reliefs deny this thesis.

Much depends upon the identification of "Sepharvaim"; if, as some scholars hold, Sepharvaim and Sippar are one and the same cities, the two deities referred to are Babylonian. But there are several strong objections to this theory. It has been suggested that Sepharvaim (Septuagint, seppharin, sepphareimi) is rather identical with "Shabara'in," a city mentioned in the Babylonian Chronicle as having been destroyed by Shalmaneser IV. As Sepharvaim and Arpad and Hamath are grouped together (2 Kings 17:24; 2 Kings 18:34) in two passages, it is probable that Sepharvaim is a Syriac city. Sepharvaim may then be another form of "Shabara'in," which, in turn, is the Assyrian form of Sibraim (Ezekiel 47:16), a city in the neighborhood of Damascus (of Halevy, ZA, II, 401). One objection to this last is the necessity for representing "c" by "sh"; this is not necessarily insurmountable, however. Then, the attempt to find an Assyrian etymology for the two god-names falls to the ground. Besides, the custom of sacrifice by fire was prevalent in Syria. Secondly, the god that was worshipped at Sippar was neither Adrammelech nor Anammelech but Samas. It is improbable, as some would urge, that Adrammelech is a secondary title of the tutelary god of Sippar; then it would have to be shown that Anu enjoyed special reverence in this city which was especially consecrated to the worship of the Sun-god. (For "Anu" see ASSYRIA.) It may be that the text is corrupt. See also ADRAMMELECH.

H. J. Wolf

6048. Anammelek -- an Assyr. god
... an Assyr. god. Transliteration: Anammelek Phonetic Spelling: (an-am-meh'-lek) Short
Definition: Anammelech. ... god NASB Word Usage Anammelech (1). Anammelech. ...
/hebrew/6048.htm - 5k

The Woman of Samaria
... with their old heathen idolatry, and made gods of their own, and some of them even
burnt their children in the fire, to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

Anammelech (1 Occurrence)
... qv) was the male representing the sun. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ANAMMELECH. a-nam'-e-lek (`anammelekh = Assyrian Anu-malik ...
/a/anammelech.htm - 9k

Anam'melech (1 Occurrence)
Anam'melech. Anammelech, Anam'melech. Anan . Multi-Version Concordance
Anam'melech (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Anammelech, Anam'melech. Anan . Reference ...
/a/anam'melech.htm - 6k

Nibhaz (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/n/nibhaz.htm - 7k

Ivvah (3 Occurrences)
... of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?" and 17:31, where the gods of Sepharvaim are
stated to be Adrammelech and Anammelech, raise serious difficulties. ...
/i/ivvah.htm - 9k

Tartak (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/t/tartak.htm - 7k

Anamites (2 Occurrences)

/a/anamites.htm - 6k

Adram'melech (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/adram'melech.htm - 7k

Adra
... ADRAMMELECH and ANAMMELECH a-dram'-el-ek and a-nam'-el-ek ('adhrammelekh and
`anammelekh, apparently, according to Assyrian usage, "Adar is prince," "Anu is ...
/a/adra.htm - 9k

Adrammelech (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/adrammelech.htm - 8k

Avites (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their
children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. ...
/a/avites.htm - 7k

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