Tartak is a deity mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the context of the religious practices of the people of Sepharvaim. The reference to Tartak is found in 2 Kings 17:31, which 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 mention of Tartak occurs during the narrative of the Assyrian resettlement of Samaria. 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 Sepharvaim, to inhabit the land. These new inhabitants brought with them their own religious practices 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.

Religious Significance

Tartak is identified as one of the gods worshiped by the Avvites, a group among the settlers. The text does not provide specific details about the nature or attributes of Tartak, leaving much to speculation. However, the association with child sacrifice, as indicated by the practices of the Sepharvites, suggests that Tartak, like other deities mentioned in the passage, was part of a pantheon that demanded extreme forms of devotion.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Tartak and similar deities serves as a backdrop to the biblical narrative's emphasis on the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The introduction of foreign gods and the accompanying practices are portrayed as a direct violation of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The biblical authors use these accounts to illustrate the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the commandments given to Israel.

Archaeological and Scholarly Insights

There is limited archaeological evidence directly related to Tartak, and much of what is known comes from the biblical text itself. Scholars have attempted to identify Tartak with various deities from the ancient Near East, but no definitive connections have been established. The lack of extrabiblical references to Tartak suggests that this deity may have been of local or minor significance, overshadowed by more prominent gods in the region.

Conclusion

The mention of Tartak in the Bible highlights the religious pluralism that characterized the ancient Near East and the challenges it posed to the Israelites' faithfulness to Yahweh. The narrative serves as a reminder of the biblical call to exclusive worship and the rejection of idolatry, themes that resonate throughout the Scriptures.Tartak

chained; bound; shut up

Tartak

(prince of darkness), one of the gods of the Avite or Avvite colonists of Samaria. (2 Kings 17:31) According to rabbinical tradition, Tartak is said to have been worshipped under the form of an ass.

Tartak

An idol, introduced by the Avites into Samaria, 2 Kings 17:31.

Prince of darkness, one of the gods of the Arvites, who colonized part of Samaria after the deportation of Israel by Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:31). TARTAK

tar'-tak (tartaq): In 2 Kings 17:31 mentioned as the name of an idol of the Avvites, one of the peoples sent by Shalmaneser to the cities of Samaria. It is otherwise unknown.

8662. Tartaq -- a god of the Avvites
... 8661, 8662. Tartaq. 8663 . a god of the Avvites. Transliteration: Tartaq
Phonetic Spelling: (tar-tawk') Short Definition: Tartak. ... Tartak. ...
/hebrew/8662.htm - 5k

Divided Worship
... probably a deity, though the name may mean booths for purposes of prostitution)
and the others 'made Nergal and Ashima and Nibhaz and Tartak.' What names, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/divided worship.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Tartak (1 Occurrence)
... 31). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TARTAK. tar ... Samaria. It is otherwise
unknown. Multi-Version Concordance Tartak (1 Occurrence). 2 ...
/t/tartak.htm - 7k

Tartan (2 Occurrences)

/t/tartan.htm - 8k

Nibhaz (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/n/nibhaz.htm - 7k

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 ...
/a/adram'melech.htm - 7k

Adrammelech (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 ...
/a/adrammelech.htm - 8k

Avites (2 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/a/avites.htm - 7k

Av'vites (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/a/av'vites.htm - 6k

Anam'melech (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/a/anam'melech.htm - 6k

Anammelech (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/a/anammelech.htm - 9k

Avvites (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 ...
/a/avvites.htm - 7k

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