Topical Bible: Children: Wicked: Adrammelech and Sharezer

◄ Children: Wicked: Adrammelech and Sharezer ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Adrammelech and Sharezer are figures mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Assyrian empire and its interactions with the kingdom of Judah. They are known for their wicked act of patricide, which is recorded in the Old Testament.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical reference to Adrammelech and Sharezer is found in the book of 2 Kings and the book of Isaiah. These two sons of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, are noted for their role in the assassination of their father. The account is as follows:

2 Kings 19:36-37 states: "So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple 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."

Isaiah 37:37-38 provides a parallel account: "So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple 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."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Sennacherib was a powerful king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and his siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons is a significant event, reflecting the turbulent and often violent nature of royal succession in the ancient Near East. The act of murder within the royal family underscores the internal strife and power struggles that were common in ancient empires.

Adrammelech and Sharezer's flight to the land of Ararat, which is associated with the region of Urartu (modern-day eastern Turkey), suggests that they sought refuge far from the reach of Assyrian authority. Their actions led to the ascension of their brother Esarhaddon to the throne, who is noted for his subsequent rebuilding efforts and campaigns.

Moral and Theological Implications:

From a moral and theological perspective, the actions of Adrammelech and Sharezer are viewed as wicked and treacherous. The Bible consistently condemns murder and betrayal, particularly within the family unit. The fifth commandment, "Honor your father and your mother," (Exodus 20:12) highlights the importance of familial respect and obedience, which Adrammelech and Sharezer blatantly violated.

Their account serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of sin and the consequences of allowing ambition and hatred to override divine commandments. The narrative also illustrates the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, as the downfall of Sennacherib and the subsequent events align with the prophetic declarations made by Isaiah regarding the fate of Assyria.

Conclusion:

The account of Adrammelech and Sharezer is a sobering reminder of the potential for wickedness within the human heart and the importance of adhering to God's laws. Their actions, while historically significant, are ultimately a testament to the moral and spiritual lessons that the Bible imparts to its readers.

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2 Kings 19:37
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
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2 Chronicles 32:21
And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
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