Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, idolatry is consistently portrayed as a grievous sin, a turning away from the worship of the one true God to the veneration of false deities. Among the various idols mentioned in Scripture, Nibhaz and Tartak are notable for their association with the syncretistic practices of the Samaritans, a people who emerged from the intermingling of Israelites and foreign settlers.
NibhazNibhaz is mentioned in
2 Kings 17:31, where the text describes the religious practices of the people of Avva, one of the groups resettled in Samaria by the Assyrian king. The verse states: "The Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak." The specific nature and form of Nibhaz are not detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations and conjectures by scholars and historians. Some suggest that Nibhaz may have been represented in the form of an animal, possibly a dog or a canine-like creature, reflecting the common ancient Near Eastern practice of associating deities with animal forms. This association with animals often symbolized certain attributes or powers believed to be possessed by the deity.
TartakTartak is also mentioned in the same passage,
2 Kings 17:31, alongside Nibhaz. Like Nibhaz, the details concerning Tartak are sparse, and the Bible does not provide a description of its form or the specific attributes ascribed to it. The name Tartak has led some scholars to speculate about its possible origins and meanings, with some suggesting a connection to darkness or the underworld, though these interpretations remain speculative due to the lack of concrete evidence.
Context and SignificanceThe mention of Nibhaz and Tartak in
2 Kings 17 occurs within the broader context of the Assyrian conquest and resettlement policies. After the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Assyrians deported many Israelites and brought in people from various regions to inhabit the land. These new settlers brought with them their own religious practices and deities, leading to a syncretistic form of worship that combined elements of the worship of Yahweh with the veneration of foreign gods.
The biblical account in
2 Kings 17:29-33 highlights the spiritual compromise and confusion that resulted from this blending of religious practices. The text underscores the Israelites' failure to remain faithful to the covenant with Yahweh, as they adopted the idolatrous customs of the surrounding nations. This syncretism is portrayed as a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods (
Exodus 20:3).
The presence of idols like Nibhaz and Tartak serves as a reminder of the persistent temptation and danger of idolatry throughout Israel's history. It illustrates the broader biblical theme of the struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of foreign influences, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and serves as a warning to maintain purity in worship and devotion to God alone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 17:31And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What is ministry idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some modern forms of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgIdolatry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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