Sharezer is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian periods. The name Sharezer is of Akkadian origin, meaning "protect the king." This entry will explore the occurrences and significance of Sharezer in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 19:37 : "One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place."

2. Isaiah 37:38 : "And as he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place."

In these passages, Sharezer is identified as one of the sons of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. The narrative describes the assassination of Sennacherib by his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. Following the assassination, both sons fled to the land of Ararat, and Esarhaddon, another son of Sennacherib, ascended to the throne.

Historical and Theological Context:

The assassination of Sennacherib is a significant event in the biblical and historical context. Sennacherib was a powerful Assyrian king known for his military campaigns and the siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The biblical account of his assassination highlights the internal strife and political instability within the Assyrian empire, which was often marked by violent successions and power struggles.

From a theological perspective, the assassination of Sennacherib can be seen as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and judgment. In the broader narrative of 2 Kings and Isaiah, the downfall of Sennacherib is portrayed as an act of divine retribution for his arrogance and blasphemy against the God of Israel. The Bible emphasizes that despite the might of earthly kingdoms, God's sovereignty and justice prevail.

Cultural and Linguistic Notes:

The name Sharezer, as mentioned earlier, is of Akkadian origin, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of the Assyrian empire. The Akkadian language was widely used in the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, and many names and titles from this period have Akkadian roots.

Conclusion:

While the biblical text provides limited information about Sharezer beyond his role in the assassination of Sennacherib, his mention serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of political power, familial dynamics, and divine intervention in the biblical narrative. The account of Sharezer and his brother Adrammelech underscores the transient nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God in the affairs of nations.Sharezar (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 19:37
and it cometh to pass, he is bowing himself in the house of Nisroch his god, and Adramelech and Sharezar 'his sons' have smitten him with the sword, and they have escaped to the land of Ararat, and Esar-Haddon his son reigneth in his stead.
(YLT)

Sharezar (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sharezar (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 19:37 and it cometh
to pass, he is bowing himself in the house of Nisroch ...
/s/sharezar.htm - 6k

Sharezer (5 Occurrences)

/s/sharezer.htm - 10k

Adramelech (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 19:37 and it cometh to pass, he is bowing himself in the house of Nisroch
his god, and Adramelech and Sharezar 'his sons' have smitten him with the ...
/a/adramelech.htm - 6k

Share'zer (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:37 and it cometh to pass, he is bowing himself in the house of Nisroch
his god, and Adramelech and Sharezar 'his sons' have smitten him with the ...
/s/share'zer.htm - 7k

Shareth (1 Occurrence)

/s/shareth.htm - 6k

Reigneth (54 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:37 and it cometh to pass, he is bowing himself in the house of Nisroch
his god, and Adramelech and Sharezar 'his sons' have smitten him with the ...
/r/reigneth.htm - 22k

Bowing (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:37 and it cometh to pass, he is bowing himself in the house of Nisroch
his god, and Adramelech and Sharezar 'his sons' have smitten him with the ...
/b/bowing.htm - 19k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus