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H152 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַדְרַמֶּלֶך
Adrammelech
Noun, masculine proper name
Adrammelech; Adar is king; glorious king

Definition

The Hebrew name Adrammelech (H152) appears in two contexts: (1) as a foreign deity brought to Samaria by colonists from Sepharvaim who burned their children as offerings to it (2 Kings 17:31), and (2) as the son of the Assyrian king Sennacherib who, with his brother Sharezer, murdered his father and fled to Ararat (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38).

The name likely combines the Assyrian/Babylonian god Adar with melek (king), meaning "Adar is king" or "glorious king."

Usage & Theological Significance

The two appearances of Adrammelech in Scripture form a dark theological commentary. First, the god Adrammelech demanded the most horrific sacrifice — children burned alive — exposing the monstrous darkness of idolatry. Second, the human Adrammelech murdered his own father, the most powerful king in the world, demonstrating that power divorced from righteousness consumes itself.

Both the deity and the man named "glorious king" brought death rather than life. They stand in sharp contrast to the True King whose name is Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) — the One who gives His life rather than demanding others' lives.

Key Bible Verses

2 Kings 17:31 The Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
2 Kings 19:37 One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat.
Isaiah 37:38 His sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Deuteronomy 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire.

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