Etymology and Meaning:
The name Adram'melech is believed to derive from the Akkadian "Adar-malik," meaning "Adar is king." Adar was a deity associated with the sun and war in Mesopotamian mythology. The name reflects the syncretism and cultural exchanges between the Israelites and their neighboring nations.

Biblical References:
Adram'melech is mentioned in the Bible in two distinct contexts:

1. Assyrian Deity:
In 2 Kings 17:31, Adram'melech is identified as a deity worshiped by the people of Sepharvaim, a city whose inhabitants were relocated to Samaria by the Assyrian king. The verse states: "The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adram'melech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim." This reference highlights the idolatrous practices that were introduced into Israel, which were in direct violation of the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The worship of Adram'melech involved child sacrifice, a practice condemned by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:21).

2. Assyrian Royalty:
Adram'melech is also the name of one of the sons of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. In 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38, it is recorded that Adram'melech, along with his brother Sharezer, assassinated their father Sennacherib while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. The Berean Standard Bible states: "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adram'melech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat." This act of patricide led to the ascension of Esarhaddon, another son of Sennacherib, to the Assyrian throne.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The worship of Adram'melech as a deity reflects the broader context of Assyrian religious practices, which often involved a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The introduction of such deities into Israelite territory was a result of the Assyrian policy of resettling conquered peoples, which led to religious syncretism and the dilution of monotheistic worship among the Israelites.

The assassination of Sennacherib by his sons, including Adram'melech, is corroborated by Assyrian historical records, which provide additional details about the political intrigue and power struggles within the Assyrian royal family. This event is significant in biblical history as it marks the end of Sennacherib's reign, a king who had previously besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah.

Theological Implications:
The mention of Adram'melech in the context of idolatry and royal assassination serves as a reminder of the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites. The worship of foreign gods like Adram'melech was a recurring issue that led to divine judgment and exile, as warned by the prophets. The assassination of Sennacherib, on the other hand, demonstrates the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations, as prophesied by Isaiah regarding the downfall of the Assyrian threat to Judah.

Conclusion:
While Adram'melech is not a central figure in biblical narrative, the references to him provide insight into the religious and political dynamics of the ancient Near East, as well as the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their covenantal faithfulness amidst external influences.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.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 19:37
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sarezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:38
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sarezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
(See RSV)

Adram'melech (3 Occurrences)
Adram'melech. Adrammelech, Adram'melech. Adramyttian . Multi-Version
Concordance Adram'melech (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 17:31 and ...
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Adrammelech (3 Occurrences)

/a/adrammelech.htm - 8k

Adramyttian (2 Occurrences)

/a/adramyttian.htm - 7k

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