Anammelech is referenced in the Bible as an idol worshiped by the people of Sepharvaim, a city in Assyria. The name "Anammelech" is thought to mean "Anu is king" or "Anu is the counselor," with Anu being a deity in the Mesopotamian pantheon. Anammelech is mentioned in the context of the syncretistic practices that were introduced into the Northern Kingdom of Israel following the Assyrian conquest and the subsequent resettlement of foreign populations.

Biblical Reference:

Anammelech is specifically mentioned in 2 Kings 17:31: "The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim." . This verse highlights the idolatrous practices that were brought into Israel by the foreign settlers. The worship of Anammelech, along with Adrammelech, involved child sacrifice, a practice that was abhorrent to the God of Israel and strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31).

Historical and Cultural Context:

The worship of Anammelech reflects the broader Assyrian religious practices, which often included a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Anu, associated with Anammelech, was a sky god and one of the chief deities in the Mesopotamian religion. The Assyrians, known for their military prowess and expansive empire, often imposed their religious practices on conquered peoples, leading to a blending of religious traditions.

The introduction of Anammelech worship into Israel was part of the Assyrian strategy of resettling conquered peoples to prevent rebellion. This policy led to a mixture of religious practices and the dilution of the worship of Yahweh among the Israelites. The biblical narrative in 2 Kings 17 describes how the Israelites were exiled due to their persistent idolatry and failure to adhere to the covenant with God, and how the new inhabitants continued in similar practices.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the worship of Anammelech represents the spiritual decline and apostasy that plagued the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The biblical authors consistently condemned idolatry as a violation of the first commandment, which demands exclusive worship of Yahweh (Exodus 20:3). The presence of foreign idols like Anammelech in Israel underscores the nation's failure to remain faithful to God and the resulting judgment that came upon them.

The account of Anammelech serves as a warning against the dangers of syncretism and the compromise of religious purity. It illustrates the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of maintaining fidelity to the worship of the one true God. The biblical narrative emphasizes that such idolatrous practices are not only offensive to God but also lead to moral and spiritual corruption.

Conclusion:

The mention of Anammelech in the Bible is a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of idolatry in the ancient Near East and its destructive impact on the people of Israel. It highlights the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the allure of foreign gods, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.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.
Nave's Topical Index

The Woman of Samaria
... Indeed, the very idol-feasts and sacrifices were mixed up ... in the fire, to Adrammelech
and Anammelech, the gods ... land to which the cruel Assyrian conqueror had ...
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