Who was Adrammelek?

Adrammelek (Hebrew: אַדְרַמֶּלֶךְ, Adrammelekh) was a false deity worshiped by the people of Sepharvaim, a region associated with Assyria. His name likely means “Adar is king” or “splendor of the king,” possibly derived from the Assyrian god Adar or Akkadian elements such as Adar (a storm god) and melek (king). Adrammelek is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the idols to whom children were burned in fire—a detestable practice condemned by the Lord.

Biblical References

Adrammelek is mentioned in 2 Kings 17:31:

“the people from Sepharvaim burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim.” (NIV)

This verse occurs in the context of the Assyrian policy of resettlement after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. When the king of Assyria conquered Samaria, he exiled the Israelites and brought in people from other nations—including Sepharvaim—who brought their own gods with them.

Cross-References

• 2 Kings 17:24-41 – Broader context of the Assyrian resettlement and syncretistic worship in Samaria.

• Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:31 – Warnings against child sacrifice.

• Jeremiah 7:31 – God condemns the practice of burning children in the fire at Topheth.

• 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38 – While not the same figure, another individual named Adrammelek (a son of Sennacherib) appears, distinct from the idol deity.

The Historical and Cultural Setting

The kingdom of Assyria was known for conquering nations and relocating their populations to reduce rebellion. The people brought in to replace the Israelites included those from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim. Each group maintained its own religious traditions, resulting in a blended and corrupt spiritual environment in Samaria.

Sepharvaim likely corresponds to a city near Babylon, and its gods reflected the cruel and violent nature of pagan worship. The burning of children to Adrammelek and Anammelek exemplified the worst of these practices. The Israelites, who had been removed for their own idolatry, were replaced by foreigners who engaged in even more abominable worship. This further angered the Lord and demonstrates the severity of idolatry in God’s eyes.

Theological Implications

God’s Judgment Against Idolatry

Adrammelek symbolizes the utter corruption of man’s heart when he turns away from the true God. The practice of child sacrifice was strictly forbidden by the Lord (Leviticus 18:21), and its presence in the land after the exile of Israel was a testimony to the depth of rebellion among the nations. God allowed foreign peoples to live in Israel as part of His judgment, but even they were not excused from honoring Him. The Lord sent lions among them (2 Kings 17:25) until they acknowledged the “God of the land.”

This episode reveals that God’s holiness applies universally. He is not merely the God of Israel but the Creator and Ruler of all nations. Those who live in defiance of His revealed will bring judgment upon themselves.

The Contrast with the Gospel

Where Adrammelek demanded the death of children, the God of the Bible sent His own Son to die for sinners. Pagan gods were cruel and bloodthirsty, but the God of Scripture is merciful and just. Instead of requiring human sacrifice to appease Him, God offered Himself in the person of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). This contrast highlights the beauty of the gospel: grace instead of terror, love instead of fear, and salvation through Christ instead of destruction through idols.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Dangers of Syncretism

The people brought into Samaria tried to blend their religions with a superficial acknowledgment of the Lord (2 Kings 17:33), but God rejected this hybrid worship. This reinforces the biblical principle that God demands exclusive worship (Exodus 20:3-5). Blending truth with error only leads to more deception.

2. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations

The presence of Adrammelek in Israelite territory was not outside of God’s control. He used the Assyrians to bring judgment, but He also expected even foreigners to recognize His authority (2 Kings 17:25-26). This reflects God’s sovereign rule over all peoples and His demand for universal obedience.

3. The Sanctity of Life

The Bible consistently upholds the value of human life, especially that of children. The abhorrent practices surrounding Adrammelek show what happens when cultures reject God‘s Word—life becomes expendable, and evil is celebrated.

How This Points to Jesus

Adrammelek represents the false gods that destroy, while Jesus is the true God who saves. In contrast to the fires of child sacrifice, Jesus went to the cross voluntarily to offer eternal life. He did not demand the blood of others but shed His own blood (Hebrews 9:14). This points to the ultimate victory of God’s redemptive love over the darkness of idolatry.

Furthermore, Jesus came to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18)—including those held captive by demonic religions and pagan rituals. Through Christ, all people are called to turn from idols and serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

Reflection Questions

1. What does the worship of Adrammelek teach us about the consequences of turning away from God?

2. How can we guard against modern forms of idolatry that demand our devotion in ways that dishonor Christ?

3. What does God’s reaction to child sacrifice reveal about His view of justice and the value of human life?

4. In what ways does the gospel of Jesus contrast with the demands of false religion?

5. Are there areas in your life where syncretism—mixing truth with error—may be creeping in?

Adrammelek stands as a dark symbol of what happens when humanity invents its own gods. But the gospel shows us that the one true God does not destroy His children—He saves them through His own sacrificial love in Christ.