Topical Encyclopedia Sarezer is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian Empire and the events surrounding the fall of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. The name "Sarezer" is of Assyrian origin, and it is believed to mean "prince of fire" or "prince of protection."Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 19:37 : "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." 2. Isaiah 37:38 : "And as 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." In these passages, Sarezer is identified as one of the sons of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Along with his brother Adrammelech, Sarezer assassinated their father while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. This act of patricide is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks the downfall of Sennacherib, who had previously besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The assassination of Sennacherib by his sons is seen as a divine retribution for his blasphemous defiance against the God of Israel. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and his subsequent defeat are detailed in the biblical accounts, where the Angel of the Lord is said to have struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of the Assyrian forces (2 Kings 19:35, Isaiah 37:36). Historical and Cultural Context: Sarezer's actions must be understood within the broader context of Assyrian royal politics, which were often marked by intrigue and violence. The assassination of a king by his own offspring was not unprecedented in the ancient Near East, where power struggles within royal families were common. The escape of Sarezer and Adrammelech to the land of Ararat, identified with the region of Urartu in modern-day eastern Turkey, suggests a strategic retreat to a place outside the immediate reach of Assyrian retribution. The rise of Esarhaddon, another son of Sennacherib, to the throne indicates that Sarezer and Adrammelech's bid for power was ultimately unsuccessful. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the account of Sarezer and the assassination of Sennacherib underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and rulers. The biblical narrative presents the downfall of Sennacherib as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a vindication of God's protection over His people, Israel. The event serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will and the ultimate justice that He administers. Sarezer's brief mention in the Bible, while limited in detail, contributes to the larger narrative of God's interaction with the nations surrounding Israel and His ongoing plan for His chosen people. Concordance Sarezer (2 Occurrences)2 Kings 19:37 Isaiah 37:38 Thesaurus Nergal-sarezer (2 Occurrences)Nergal-sarezer. Nergal, Nergal-sarezer. Nergal-sar-ezer . Multi-Version Concordance Nergal-sarezer (2 Occurrences). ... /n/nergal-sarezer.htm - 7k Bethel-sarezer (1 Occurrence) Sarezer (2 Occurrences) Rab'saris (3 Occurrences) Adram'melech (3 Occurrences) Sargon (1 Occurrence) Nergal-sar-ezer (2 Occurrences) Nergal (3 Occurrences) Esarhad'don (1 Occurrence) Bethemek (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |