Sarchedonus
Biblical Appearance and Textual Variation
The name Sarchedonus appears exclusively in the deuterocanonical book of Tobit, specifically in Tobit 1:21-22. This represents a textual variation or corruption of the name Sacherdonus, which itself is a Greek rendering of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon (reigned 681–669 BCE). The variation occurs between different ancient manuscripts, with Codex Vaticanus reading 'Sacherdonos' and Codex Alexandrinus reading 'Sacherdan.'
The Narrative Context in Tobit
In the story of Tobit, Sarchedonus (Esarhaddon) plays a crucial role in the protagonist's suffering. After the assassination of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:37), Tobit, who had served the previous king, falls out of favor. The narrative states that Esarhaddon appointed Ahikar, Tobit's nephew, to a high position, but Tobit himself had to flee because he had secretly buried murdered Israelites, defying the king's orders (Tobit 1:16-22). This persecution under Sarchedonus sets the stage for Tobit's later blindness and the central journey of the book.
Historical Identity: King Esarhaddon
Sarchedonus is identified with the historical Esar-haddon, son of Sennacherib, who is well-attested in both biblical and Assyrian records. In the canonical Hebrew scriptures, Esarhaddon is mentioned in 2 Kings 19:37, Isaiah 37:38, and Ezra 4:2. He is noted for his military campaigns, including the conquest of Egypt, and for his policy of deporting and resettling conquered populations—a practice that forms the backdrop for Tobit's exile.
Significance in the Book of Tobit
The mention of Sarchedonus grounds the pious fiction of Tobit in a recognizable historical framework. It places the family's trials within the specific context of the Assyrian Empire's administration after Sennacherib. The king represents the capricious nature of earthly power and the vulnerability of God's people in exile. Yet, the story ultimately shows God's providence working through and despite this political oppression, as Tobit's faithfulness is eventually rewarded.
Textual and Canonical Considerations
The variation in spelling (Sarchedonus/Sacherdonus) highlights the transmission history of the book of Tobit, which survives in multiple Greek, Latin, and Aramaic versions. For Protestant traditions that consider the Apocrypha as edifying but not canonical, this reference serves as a historical link. For Catholic and Orthodox traditions that hold Tobit as canonical, Sarchedonus is part of the inspired narrative that teaches about fidelity, prayer, and divine healing in a time of diaspora.
Biblical Context
The name Sarchedonus appears only in the deuterocanonical book of Tobit 1:21-22. It is used for the Assyrian king Esarhaddon, who succeeds Sennacherib. In the narrative, this king's reign is the period when the pious Israelite Tobit, living in exile in Nineveh, faces persecution and must flee, setting the entire plot of the book in motion.
Theological Significance
The reference to Sarchedonus (Esarhaddon) theologically underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over history and earthly powers. Even under a powerful foreign king, God's providence guides the lives of faithful individuals like Tobit. It highlights that faithfulness to God's law (such as burying the dead) may bring temporal suffering but is ultimately honored by God. The story situates personal piety and family drama within the grand sweep of God's dealings with His people in exile.
Historical Background
Historically, Sarchedonus refers to Esar-haddon, king of Assyria (681–669 BCE), the son and successor of Sennacherib. Extra-biblical sources, including Assyrian cuneiform inscriptions and chronicles, confirm his reign. He is known for rebuilding Babylon, which his father had destroyed, conquering Egypt, and implementing extensive deportation policies. His reign is a well-documented period of Assyrian history, and his name appears in Ezra 4:2 in relation to people settled in Samaria.