The Sepharvites are a people mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian resettlement of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The name "Sepharvites" is derived from the city of Sepharvaim, which is referenced in the Bible as part of the Assyrian Empire's conquests and subsequent resettlement policies.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to the Sepharvites is found in 2 Kings 17:24, which states: "Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities."

This passage describes the Assyrian strategy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to assimilate them into the empire. The Sepharvites, along with other groups, were brought to Samaria to replace the exiled Israelites.

Religious Practices:

The Sepharvites are noted for their idolatrous practices, which they brought with them to Samaria. In 2 Kings 17:31, it is recorded: "The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim."

This verse highlights the syncretistic and pagan religious practices that the Sepharvites introduced into the region. The worship of Adrammelech and Anammelech, which involved child sacrifice, was particularly abhorrent to the Israelites and stood in stark contrast to the worship of Yahweh.

Historical Context:

The historical context of the Sepharvites' relocation is tied to the Assyrian Empire's expansion under kings such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II. The fall of Samaria in 722 B.C. led to the deportation of many Israelites and the resettlement of foreign peoples, including the Sepharvites, in their place. This policy aimed to dilute national identities and reduce the likelihood of uprisings against Assyrian rule.

Cultural and Theological Implications:

The introduction of foreign peoples and their religious practices into Israel had significant cultural and theological implications. The syncretism that resulted from the mixing of Israelite and foreign religious practices contributed to the spiritual decline of the region. The presence of the Sepharvites and their idolatry is a testament to the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal identity amidst foreign influences.

The biblical narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to Yahweh and the dangers of adopting pagan practices. The account of the Sepharvites serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of idolatry and the loss of spiritual purity.

Conclusion:

The Sepharvites, as part of the Assyrian resettlement strategy, played a role in the complex religious and cultural landscape of post-exilic Samaria. Their presence and practices are a reminder of the historical and spiritual challenges faced by the people of Israel during this tumultuous period.SEPHARVITES

se'-far-vits, se-far'-vits> (cepharwim): In 2 Kings 17:31, the inhabitants of SEPHARVAIM (which see), planted by the king of Assyria in Samaria. They continued there to burn their children to their native gods.

5616. Sepharvi -- inhab. of Sepharvaim
... inhab. of Sepharvaim. Transliteration: Sepharvi Phonetic Spelling: (sef-ar-vee')
Short Definition: Sepharvites. ... of Sepharvaim NASB Word Usage Sepharvites (1). ...
/hebrew/5616.htm - 6k

Mongrel Religion
... Verily this is good doctrine concerning the God of Israel; but the god of our fathers
was Nergal, and to him will we cleave"; and the Sepharvites, though they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

Sepharvites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEPHARVITES. se'-far-vits, se ... native gods.
Multi-Version Concordance Sepharvites (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings ...
/s/sepharvites.htm - 7k

Anammelech (1 Occurrence)
... a-nam'-e-lek (`anammelekh = Assyrian Anu-malik, "Anu is the prince"): A Babylonian (?)
deity worshipped by the Sepharvites in Samaria, after being transported ...
/a/anammelech.htm - 9k

Sephar'vites (1 Occurrence)
Sephar'vites. Sepharvites, Sephar'vites. Sepher . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Sepharvites, Sephar'vites. Sepher . Reference Bible.
/s/sephar'vites.htm - 6k

Sepharvim (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avites have made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites are
burning their sons with fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, gods of Sepharvim ...
/s/sepharvim.htm - 6k

Nibhaz (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/n/nibhaz.htm - 7k

Tartak (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/t/tartak.htm - 7k

Adram'melech (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/adram'melech.htm - 7k

Adrammelech (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/adrammelech.htm - 8k

Avites (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:31 And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their
children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. ...
/a/avites.htm - 7k

Av'vites (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 17:31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt
their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim ...
/a/av'vites.htm - 6k

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