Nisroch is mentioned in the Bible as the Assyrian deity worshiped by King Sennacherib. The reference to Nisroch is found in the context of Sennacherib's assassination, as recorded in the Old Testament. The account is brief but significant, providing insight into the religious practices of the Assyrian empire and the idolatrous influences that surrounded the Israelites during the time of the divided kingdom.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Nisroch is found in 2 Kings 19:37 and its parallel account in Isaiah 37:38. 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)

This passage describes the assassination of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, by his own sons while he was engaged in worship within the temple of Nisroch. The event underscores the vulnerability and ultimate downfall of those who place their trust in false gods.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Nisroch is identified as an Assyrian deity, though specific details about this god are sparse in historical records. Some scholars suggest that Nisroch may have been associated with a god of agriculture or a protective deity, reflecting the Assyrian emphasis on fertility and protection. The name Nisroch does not appear in other ancient Near Eastern texts, leading to various theories about its origin and significance.

The worship of Nisroch by Sennacherib highlights the polytheistic nature of Assyrian religion, which included a pantheon of gods and goddesses. This idolatry was in direct contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites, who were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Nisroch serves as a reminder of the futility of idol worship. The Bible consistently portrays idols as powerless and unable to save or protect their worshipers. In contrast, the God of Israel is depicted as sovereign and all-powerful, capable of delivering His people from their enemies.

The assassination of Sennacherib in the temple of Nisroch can be seen as a divine judgment against the king's arrogance and blasphemy. Sennacherib had previously mocked the God of Israel, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:33-35, questioning the ability of Yahweh to deliver Jerusalem from his hand. The subsequent events demonstrate the ultimate triumph of God's will over the plans of pagan rulers.

Conclusion:

While the biblical text provides limited information about Nisroch, the idol's mention in the context of Sennacherib's demise serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical theme of divine justice. The narrative reinforces the message that reliance on false gods leads to destruction, while faith in the one true God brings deliverance and hope.2 Kings 19:36,37
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelled at Nineveh.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 37:37,38
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelled at Nineveh.
Nave's Topical Index

5268. Nisrok -- an Assyr. god
... god NASB Word Usage Nisroch (2). Nisroch. Of foreign origin; Nisrok, a Babylonian
idol -- Nisroch. 5267, 5268. Nisrok. 5269 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5268.htm - 5k

'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
... servant; Sennacherib was praying in the temple of his god, and his corpse lay stretched
before his idol, an object lesson of the impotence of Nisroch and all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/he uttered his voice the.htm

The Triumph of Faith
... it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god ... The challenge
was accepted, and that bloody corpse before the idol that could not help ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the triumph of faith.htm

What is blasphemy? What does it mean to blaspheme? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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