Sepharva'im is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Assyrian exile and resettlement policies. The name "Sepharva'im" is often associated with a people or city that was involved in the events surrounding the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 17:24 · "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharva'im and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its cities."

2. 2 Kings 17:31 · "The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharva'im."

3. 2 Kings 18:34 and 19:13 · These passages mention Sepharva'im in the context of the Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against Judah, where he boasts of his conquests, including Sepharva'im.

4. Isaiah 36:19 and 37:13 · Similar to the accounts in 2 Kings, these verses reference Sepharva'im during the Assyrian threats against Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Sepharva'im is believed to have been a city or region located in Mesopotamia, possibly near the Euphrates River. The exact location remains uncertain, but it is often associated with the broader Assyrian Empire's territories. The people of Sepharva'im were among those relocated by the Assyrian Empire as part of their strategy to control conquered lands by mixing populations, thereby reducing the likelihood of rebellion.

The religious practices of the Sepharvites, as mentioned in 2 Kings 17:31, involved the worship of deities such as Adrammelech and Anammelech, to whom they offered child sacrifices. This practice was abhorrent to the Israelites and is highlighted in the biblical narrative to underscore the idolatrous and pagan customs that were introduced into the land of Israel following the Assyrian resettlement.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Sepharva'im in the Bible serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. The resettlement of foreign peoples in Samaria and the introduction of their idolatrous practices illustrate the spiritual and cultural challenges faced by the Israelites due to their failure to remain faithful to the covenant with Yahweh. The narrative underscores the theme of divine judgment and the loss of identity and purity when God's people turn away from His commandments.

Sepharva'im's inclusion in the biblical text also highlights the historical reality of the Assyrian Empire's dominance and the geopolitical shifts that affected the ancient Near East. The Assyrian policy of population displacement was a tool of imperial control, and its impact on the Northern Kingdom of Israel is a significant event in the biblical history of God's people.Sepharva'im (4 Occurrences)

2 Kings 18:34
Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
(See RSV)

2 Kings 19:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'
(See RSV)

Isaiah 36:19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
(See RSV)

Isaiah 37:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'
(See RSV)

Sepharva'im (4 Occurrences)
Sepharva'im. Sephar-vaim, Sepharva'im. Sephar-va'im . Multi-Version
Concordance Sepharva'im (4 Occurrences). 2 Kings 18:34 Where ...
/s/sepharva'im.htm - 7k

Sephar-va'im (2 Occurrences)
Sephar-va'im. Sepharva'im, Sephar-va'im. Sepharvim . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Sepharva'im, Sephar-va'im. Sepharvim . Reference Bible.
/s/sephar-va'im.htm - 7k

Sephar-vaim (1 Occurrence)
Sephar-vaim. Sepharvaim, Sephar-vaim. Sepharva'im . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See NAS). Sepharvaim, Sephar-vaim. Sepharva'im . Reference Bible.
/s/sephar-vaim.htm - 6k

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