Adrammelech and Sharezer are figures mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian Empire's history and its interactions with the Kingdom of Judah. They are most notably recognized as the sons of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who reigned from 705 to 681 BC.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical reference to Adrammelech and Sharezer is found in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38. These passages recount the assassination of their father, Sennacherib, in the temple of his god, Nisroch. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"And as he was worshiping in the house 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 Kings 19:37)

"It came to pass, as he was worshiping in the house of his god Nisroch, that 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." (Isaiah 37:38)

Historical and Cultural Context:

Sennacherib's reign was marked by significant military campaigns, including the infamous siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The biblical narrative attributes the failure of this siege to divine intervention, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-36, where an angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.

The assassination of Sennacherib by his sons is a pivotal moment in Assyrian history. It reflects the internal strife and power struggles that were not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. The escape of Adrammelech and Sharezer to the land of Ararat, which is associated with the region of Urartu (modern-day eastern Turkey), suggests a strategic retreat to a place outside the immediate reach of Assyrian retribution.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons can be seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment against the Assyrian king, who had defied the God of Israel. This act of patricide underscores the biblical theme of divine sovereignty over the affairs of nations and rulers. The narrative serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability of earthly powers to the divine will.

Legacy and Interpretation:

Adrammelech and Sharezer's actions had significant implications for the Assyrian Empire. Their assassination of Sennacherib led to the ascension of Esarhaddon, another of Sennacherib's sons, who would go on to rule from 681 to 669 BC. Esarhaddon's reign is noted for its relative stability and efforts to rebuild Babylon, which had been destroyed by Sennacherib.

In biblical scholarship, the account of Adrammelech and Sharezer is often examined in the context of Assyrian history and its interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Their account is a testament to the complex interplay of political, familial, and religious dynamics in the ancient world.