2Ki 23:11 | TNotes | STEP | 23:11 The horse was used in sun worship in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian sun-god Shamash and other deities were depicted riding across the sky in horse-drawn chariots. Archaeological evidence suggests that a solar cult existed in Israel as early as the 800s BC . The cult’s popularity likely increased during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, when it was sponsored by the crown (21:3-5 , 21-22 ). Despite Josiah’s reforms, shortly after his death Ezekiel denounced the sun worshipers again for performing their rituals within the inner court of the Temple (Ezek 8:16 ). • the eunuch, an officer of the court: The term translated eunuch can refer not only to those who were physically eunuchs but also to high officials.

b21:3-5►

dEzek 8:16►

‏ 2 Kings 23:11

23:11 ^a The horse was used in sun worship in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian sun-god Shamash and other deities were depicted riding across the sky in horse-drawn chariots. Archaeological evidence suggests that a solar cult existed in Israel as early as the 800s BC. The cult’s popularity likely increased during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, when it was sponsored by the crown (21:3-5 ^b, 21-22 ^c). Despite Josiah’s reforms, shortly after his death Ezekiel denounced the sun worshipers again for performing their rituals within the inner court of the Temple (Ezek 8:16 ^d).

• the eunuch, an officer of the court: The term translated eunuch can refer not only to those who were physically eunuchs but also to high officials.