Lexical Summary Sharetser or Saretser: Sharezer Original Word: שַׁרְאֶצֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sharezer Of foreign derivation; Sharetser, the name of an Assyrian and an Israelite -- Sharezer. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of foreign origin Definition an Assyr., also perhaps an Isr. NASB Translation Sharezer (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׂרְאֶ֫צֶר proper name, masculine in Assyrian (Babylonian) (van d. H. ׳שׁ, but see Baer, and StrZMG xxxiii (1879), 302; in Assyrian perhaps [Ašur, Bêl, or Nergal] šar-uƒur, [...] protect the king ! COT2Kings 19:37; Σαρασα(ρ)); — 1 son of Sennach., 2 Kings 19:37 = Isaiah 37:38 (SchrCOT l.c. WklKAT 3, 84 StevensonHast. DB. iv. 476). 2 a returned exile Zechariah 7:2 (Stevensonib. 477). — compare also ׳נֵרְגַּל שׂ p. 669. Topical Lexicon Character Overview Shar’etser appears three times in the Old Testament, identifying two distinct individuals who share the same West-Semitic name. In the historical books (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38) Shar’etser is an Assyrian prince, while in the post-exilic writings (Zechariah 7:2) Shar’etser is part of a delegation from Bethel to the temple in Jerusalem. Though unrelated in lineage, both men are woven into pivotal moments that reveal the sovereignty of God over nations and the importance of genuine worship. Occurrences in Scripture • 2 Kings 19:37 – Assassination of Sennacherib Historical Background 1. Shar’etser the Assyrian Son After the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35–36), Sennacherib returned to Nineveh humbled but unrepentant. Roughly twenty years later, while “he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat” (2 Kings 19:37). Assyrian annals corroborate a palace coup in 681 BC, underscoring the biblical claim that the downfall of arrogant kings comes in fulfillment of God’s word (2 Kings 19:7). Shar’etser’s deed, though violent and politically motivated, ultimately served as the divine means of judgment foretold through Isaiah. 2. Shar’etser the Bethelite Envoy More than a century later, “the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, along with their men, to seek the LORD” (Zechariah 7:2). The question they brought—whether to maintain the fast commemorating the destruction of the temple—prompted a prophetic discourse on the difference between ritual mourning and obedient living (Zechariah 7:4-10). Shar’etser here functions as a representative voice for a community wrestling with post-exilic identity and covenant faithfulness. Theological Reflections Divine retribution and mercy Unity of prophetic fulfillment Both narratives validate earlier prophecies. Isaiah foretold Sennacherib’s death “by the sword in his own land” (Isaiah 37:7); Zechariah’s answer recalls earlier calls for covenantal integrity (Isaiah 58; Jeremiah 7). Shar’etser’s appearances in disparate centuries reinforce the continuity of God’s purposes throughout Israel’s story. Lessons and Application 1. God’s sovereignty over political affairs Empires rise and fall at His word. Even palace intrigues in Nineveh occur on His timetable. 2. Authentic worship transcends ritual Shar’etser’s delegation receives a rebuke that external fasting is meaningless without social justice. Believers today must guard against empty ceremony devoid of love and obedience. 3. Accountability begins at home Sennacherib mocked the living God; judgment came from his own children. Spiritual arrogance breeds internal collapse, a warning for families and nations alike. 4. Seek the LORD’s will, not merely His favor The Bethelites wanted divine approval for their established tradition; the LORD demanded reformation of heart and deed. Petition must be coupled with submission. Related Names and Events Adrammelech – Shar’etser’s brother and fellow assassin Esarhaddon – Third son who succeeded Sennacherib Regem-melech – Shar’etser’s companion in the Bethel delegation Hezekiah – Judean king delivered from Sennacherib Zechariah – Post-exilic prophet who answered Shar’etser’s inquiry Summary Shar’etser’s brief but strategic appearances demonstrate that God employs both foreign princes and humble petitioners to advance His redemptive agenda. Whether as an unwitting agent of justice in Assyria or a seeker of guidance in Judah, the name Shar’etser reminds readers that the Lord of Hosts rules history and desires sincerity of heart over ritual observance. Forms and Transliterations אֶ֕צֶר אצר וְשַׂרְאֶ֤צֶר ושראצר ’e·ṣer ’eṣer Etzer vesarEtzer wə·śar·’e·ṣer wəśar’eṣerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 19:37 HEB: אֱלֹהָ֗יו וְֽאַדְרַמֶּ֨לֶךְ וְשַׂרְאֶ֤צֶר (בָּנָיו֙ ק) NAS: that Adrammelech and Sharezer killed KJV: that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons INT: his god Adrammelech and Sharezer his son killed Isaiah 37:38 Zechariah 7:2 3 Occurrences |
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