Nibhaz and Tartak are deities mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the religious practices of the Samaritans. These gods are referenced in 2 Kings 17:31, which describes the idolatrous practices of the people who were settled in Samaria by the Assyrian king after the exile of the Israelites. The verse states: "The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim" .

Historical and Cultural Context

The historical backdrop of Nibhaz and Tartak is tied to the Assyrian resettlement policy. After the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., the Assyrians deported many Israelites and brought in people from various regions, including Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, to repopulate the area (2 Kings 17:24). These new inhabitants brought with them their own religious customs and deities, leading to a syncretistic form of worship that combined elements of their native religions with the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Nibhaz

Nibhaz is identified as one of the gods worshiped by the Avvites. The specific nature and attributes of Nibhaz are not detailed in the biblical text, and there is limited extrabiblical information about this deity. Some scholars suggest that Nibhaz may have been represented in the form of an animal, possibly a dog or a canine figure, based on etymological connections and ancient Near Eastern iconography. However, these interpretations remain speculative due to the lack of concrete archaeological evidence.

Tartak

Tartak is another deity associated with the Avvites, mentioned alongside Nibhaz. Like Nibhaz, there is scant information about Tartak outside of the biblical reference. The name Tartak does not appear in other known ancient Near Eastern texts, making it difficult to ascertain the characteristics or significance of this god. Some interpretations suggest that Tartak might have been a deity associated with the underworld or darkness, but these are largely conjectural.

Religious Significance

The mention of Nibhaz and Tartak in 2 Kings 17 highlights the religious syncretism that occurred in Samaria following the Assyrian conquest. The introduction of foreign deities into the region underscores the spiritual decline and idolatry that the biblical narrative attributes to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom. The worship of these gods, along with others like Adrammelech and Anammelech, is presented as a violation of the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and the people of Israel, emphasizing the biblical theme of faithfulness to the one true God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Nibhaz and Tartak serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of abandoning the worship of Yahweh. The biblical narrative consistently portrays the worship of foreign gods as a primary reason for divine judgment and exile. The presence of these deities in the land of Israel is seen as a corruption of true worship and a departure from the commandments given to the Israelites.

In summary, Nibhaz and Tartak are emblematic of the broader issue of idolatry that plagued the Israelites and their neighbors. Their mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of exclusive devotion to God and the perils of religious compromise.