What was Sepharvites?

The Sepharvites were a pagan people group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 17:24, 31, who were resettled in the land of Israel following the Assyrian conquest and exile of the northern kingdom. The term “Sepharvites” (Hebrew: סְפַרְוַיִם, Sepharwayim) likely refers to the inhabitants of a place called Sepharvaim, meaning “the two Sipparas” or “the booktowns”—a possible reference to twin cities or a district in Mesopotamia. Some scholars link it to Sippar, a known city on the Euphrates near Babylon, but the biblical account treats Sepharvaim as a distinct pagan region.

These people are notable for their idolatrous practices, particularly the horrific ritual of child sacrifice to their gods Adrammelek and Anammelek, which they brought into Samaria. Their mention in Scripture serves as a sobering example of how deeply embedded idolatry had become in the world outside the covenant community of Israel.

Biblical References

• 2 Kings 17:24 – “The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites.”

• 2 Kings 17:31 – “The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim.”

Cross-References

• 2 Kings 18:34; Isaiah 36:19 – References to the gods of Sepharvaim being powerless to save their people.

• Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31 – Condemnation of child sacrifice as a detestable practice to the Lord.

• Jeremiah 7:31 – God’s strong rebuke of similar practices that even some Israelites adopted.

Historical Background

In the 8th century BC, King Shalmaneser V of Assyria began the siege of Samaria, completed by King Sargon II. As part of Assyrian policy, conquered peoples were often displaced and resettled to prevent rebellion and to weaken national identities. The Sepharvites were among those resettled in Samaria, replacing the exiled Israelites.

The importation of pagan nations led to a mixed population and the rise of syncretistic religion in the region. Each group brought its own gods and rituals. While the Israelites had been judged for idolatry, these new settlers perpetuated and even worsened the spiritual corruption of the land.

Religious Practices of the Sepharvites

The Sepharvites’ religion was marked by extreme idolatry, including the burning of their children as offerings to their gods:

Their gods:

• Adrammelek (possibly “Majestic King”) – A deity whose worship involved fire and child sacrifice.

• Anammelek (possibly “Image of the King”) – Similarly worshipped with child offerings.

This worship was a direct violation of God’s commandments, and its presence in the Promised Land was a desecration. The gods of Sepharvaim were utterly powerless, which Isaiah later highlighted in mockery when comparing them to the Living God (Isaiah 36:19).

What It Means for Christians Today

The story of the Sepharvites reminds Christians of the seriousness of false worship and the spiritual danger of syncretism. God calls His people to exclusive allegiance, and when His commands are ignored—whether by Israel or Gentile nations—the result is judgment.

Though the practices of the Sepharvites seem barbaric, modern equivalents exist in the form of idolizing power, wealth, sex, or even self, often at the expense of others, including children. Any system or lifestyle that devalues human life and opposes God‘s truth follows the same spirit of rebellion.

Moreover, the resettlement and blending of cultures in Samaria laid the groundwork for future Samaritan–Jewish tensions seen in the New Testament (John 4). Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman reveals how the gospel overcomes long-standing ethnic and religious divisions.

How It Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The Sepharvites highlight the depth of human depravity and the need for divine intervention. The contrast between their gods and the Living God sets the stage for Christ’s incarnation. Where pagan gods demanded the death of children, the true God gave His own Son to bring life.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Jesus enters a broken world full of false worship and offers truth, grace, and eternal life. His sacrifice ends the need for any others. Where pagan systems demanded human suffering, Jesus bore suffering on our behalf.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Judgment and Mercy

The exile and replacement of Israel show God’s righteous judgment. Yet, even in judgment, God extends mercy—eventually calling even Samaritans to salvation through Christ.

2. Idolatry

The Sepharvites illustrate the universal human problem of idolatry, addressed throughout Scripture. Only God is worthy of worship.

3. Syncretism

Mixing false worship with true worship corrupts faith. The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to separate from worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

4. The Mission of God

Though the Sepharvites did not know God, their presence in the biblical narrative foreshadows the time when all nations would hear the gospel.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways do modern cultures still practice forms of idolatry that harm the vulnerable?

2. How can Christians guard against spiritual compromise and false worship?

3. What does the contrast between Adrammelek and Christ reveal about the character of the true God?

4. How should the story of the Sepharvites inform our view of missions and evangelism to unreached peoples?

5. In what ways does Jesus’ engagement with Samaritans challenge us to show the gospel to those of different beliefs or backgrounds?

The story of the Sepharvites serves as a haunting warning about the dangers of false worship—but also as a backdrop that makes the light of Christ shine brighter, revealing the beauty of a God who gives life rather than demands death.