Succoth-benoth

Succoth-benoth is mentioned in 2Ki.17.30 as one of the deities worshipped by the Sepharvites, a people group from Mesopotamia who were settled in Samaria by the Assyrian king 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."

The name Succoth-benoth is believed to be derived from the Akkadian words "sakkut" (meaning "tent" or "shrine") and "banitu" (meaning "daughters"). This suggests that Succoth-benoth may have been a deity associated with a specific shrine or temple, possibly involving the worship of female deities or priestesses.

The worship of Succoth-benoth, along with other foreign deities, was practiced by the Sepharvites in Samaria alongside the worship of the Lord (2Ki.17.33). This syncretistic religious practice was condemned by the biblical authors, who emphasized the importance of exclusive devotion to the God of Israel.

The mention of Succoth-benoth in 2Kings 17 highlights the religious and cultural challenges faced by the Israelites living in Samaria after the Assyrian conquest, as they were influenced by the religious practices of the foreign peoples settled among them. This passage serves as a warning against compromising the worship of the true God by adopting the beliefs and practices of surrounding nations.