Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Succoth-benoth is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the religious practices of the peoples settled in Samaria by the Assyrian Empire. The name is associated with a deity worshiped by the Babylonians, one of the many foreign gods introduced into the region following the Assyrian conquest and the subsequent resettlement of various peoples. Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Succoth-benoth is found in 2 Kings 17:30. This passage details the idolatrous practices of the nations that the king of Assyria settled in the cities of Samaria after the deportation of the Israelites. The verse states: "The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima" . Historical and Cultural Context: The name "Succoth-benoth" is often interpreted to mean "booths of daughters" or "tents of daughters," suggesting a possible connection to fertility rites or cultic practices involving female deities. The worship of Succoth-benoth by the Babylonians reflects the syncretistic religious environment of the ancient Near East, where local and imported deities were often venerated side by side. The Assyrian policy of resettling conquered peoples was intended to prevent rebellion by diluting national identities and religious practices. This policy led to a blending of religious traditions, as seen in the worship of various gods, including Succoth-benoth, in Samaria. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the introduction of Succoth-benoth and other foreign deities into Israelite territory represents a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The biblical narrative consistently condemns idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His people. The presence of Succoth-benoth in Samaria serves as a reminder of the spiritual decline that led to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The biblical authors highlight the consequences of abandoning the worship of Yahweh in favor of idolatry, which ultimately resulted in divine judgment and exile. Conclusion: While the specific details of the worship of Succoth-benoth remain obscure, its mention in the biblical text underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct religious identity amidst foreign influences. The narrative of 2 Kings 17 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of syncretism and the importance of faithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. Concordance Suc'coth-be'noth (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 17:30 Thesaurus Suc'coth-be'noth (1 Occurrence)Suc'coth-be'noth. Succoth-benoth, Suc'coth-be'noth. Succour . Multi-Version Concordance Suc'coth-be'noth (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings ... /s/suc'coth-be'noth.htm - 6k Succoth-benoth (1 Occurrence) Succour (6 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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