Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Benoth is a term that appears in the context of ancient Near Eastern religious practices, specifically within the biblical narrative concerning the idolatrous practices introduced by foreign settlers in the land of Israel. The term is associated with the worship of foreign deities, which was a recurring issue for the Israelites as they struggled to maintain their covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh amidst surrounding pagan influences. Biblical Reference: The term "Benoth" is found in 2 Kings 17:30, which describes the syncretistic religious practices of the peoples who were settled in Samaria by the Assyrian Empire after the exile of the northern kingdom of Israel. The verse states: "The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima" . Here, "Succoth Benoth" is mentioned as one of the deities worshiped by the settlers from Babylon. Historical and Cultural Context: The historical context of Benoth is tied to the Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, which aimed to prevent rebellion by mixing populations and diluting national identities. The Assyrians brought people from various regions, including Babylon, to inhabit the land of Israel after the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C. These settlers brought with them their own religious customs and deities, leading to a blending of religious practices. The worship of Benoth, as part of "Succoth Benoth," reflects the broader theme of idolatry that plagued Israel throughout its history. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations, as these were seen as a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3). Theological Significance: The mention of Benoth in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining purity in worship. The introduction of foreign gods like Benoth into Israelite society was not merely a cultural issue but a spiritual one, as it represented a turning away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The presence of such deities in the land highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God's covenant and the temptation to conform to the religious practices of surrounding nations. This struggle is a central theme in the prophetic literature, where prophets like Hosea and Amos call the people back to covenantal faithfulness and warn of the consequences of idolatry. Conclusion: While the specific details about the deity Benoth and the nature of its worship are limited, the reference to Benoth in the biblical text underscores the persistent challenge of idolatry faced by the Israelites. It serves as a historical and theological marker of the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God and the constant call to exclusive devotion to Him. Strong's Hebrew 5524. Sukkoth Benoth -- "booths of daughters," an Assyr.-Bab. godSukkoth Benoth. 5523, 5524. Sukkoth Benoth. 5525 . "booths of daughters," an Assyr.-Bab. god. Transliteration: Sukkoth Benoth ... /hebrew/5524.htm - 6k Library Mongrel Religion Divided Worship The Three Parables of Warning: to the Individual, to the Nation ... Thesaurus Benoth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Benoth (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 17:30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal ... /b/benoth.htm - 6k Succoth-benoth (1 Occurrence) Succothbenoth (1 Occurrence) Satyr Jackal (3 Occurrences) Suc'coth-be'noth (1 Occurrence) Nergal (3 Occurrences) God (45911 Occurrences) Ben-o'ni (1 Occurrence) Ben-paruah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Benoth (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 17:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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