Topical Bible: Murder: Adrammelech

◄ Murder: Adrammelech ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Adrammelech is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of murder within the Old Testament. He is one of the sons of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, who is infamously known for his act of patricide. The account of Adrammelech's involvement in the murder of his father is found in the Book of 2 Kings and the Book of Isaiah.

Biblical Account

The primary narrative concerning Adrammelech is recorded in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38. According to these passages, after Sennacherib's military campaign against Judah and his subsequent retreat to Nineveh, he was assassinated by his own sons. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"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." (2 Kings 19:37)

The parallel account in Isaiah 37:38 echoes this event, underscoring the treacherous act committed by Adrammelech and his brother Sharezer.

Historical and Cultural Context

Sennacherib's assassination occurred during a period of political instability and familial intrigue within the Assyrian empire. The act of murder by Adrammelech and Sharezer may have been motivated by a desire for power or as a response to internal family disputes. The escape to the land of Ararat suggests a premeditated plan to avoid retribution and secure safety following the regicide.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the murder of Sennacherib by Adrammelech and Sharezer can be seen as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and judgment. Sennacherib's blasphemous defiance against the God of Israel and his threats against Jerusalem were met with divine retribution. The assassination serves as a stark reminder of the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the futility of opposing His will.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The act of murder, as demonstrated by Adrammelech, is unequivocally condemned in biblical teaching. The sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), reflects the sanctity of human life and the moral order established by God. Adrammelech's actions, driven by ambition or vengeance, stand in direct violation of this divine command.

Legacy and Influence

Adrammelech's legacy is primarily defined by his role in the assassination of Sennacherib. His actions contributed to the historical narrative of Assyria's decline and the eventual rise of his brother Esarhaddon to the throne. The biblical account of Adrammelech serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of murder and the inevitable justice of God.

In summary, Adrammelech's involvement in the murder of Sennacherib is a significant event within the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the moral imperatives upheld in Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 19:37
And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Woman of Samaria
... king escape, who had thus brought the king of Assyria down to murder their own ... some
of them even burnt their children in the fire, to Adrammelech and Anammelech ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What
... sons, [3] Adrammelech and Seraser, and was slain in his own temple, which was called
Araske. Now these sons of his were driven away on account of the murder of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how sennacherib made.htm

The Triumph of Faith
... as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer ...
years intervened between the catastrophe to the army and the murder of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the triumph of faith.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the image of his god, two of his sons, Sharezer and Adarmalik (Adrammelech),
assassinated their ... We possess three different accounts of the murder of Sennacherib ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm