An idol, introduced by the Avites into Samaria, 2Ki 17:31.

prince of darkness, one of the gods of the Arvites, who colonized part of Samaria after the deportation of Israel by Shalmaneser (2Ki 17:31).

Idol of the Avvite colonists planted by Esarhaddon in Samaria (2Ki 17:31). Worshipped under the form of a donkey (Talmud Bab. Sanhedrin, 63 b.). In Egyptian hieroglyphics the donkey symbolizes Tartak (Plutarch Isaiah and Os. 14). Tartak may be of Persian origin, meaning "the prince of darkness", belonging to the under world or some planet of ill fortune. The Carmanians worshipped Mars with a donkey (2Ki 17:31). In Pehlevi tar thakh means "deep darkness", "hero of darkness".

An idol introduced by the Avvites into Samaria when Sargon of Assyria transported them thither (2Ki 17:31). This deity is mentioned along with another called Nibhaz, and, according to the Babylonian Talmud, was worshipped in the form of an ass. In Assyro-Babylonian mythology no such deity is at present provable; moreover, the geographical position of the Avvites is uncertain, and their city may have been in one of the western States of Asia. The Greek text 'A' replaces Tartak by Naibas, but this may be merely a corruption of Nibhaz.

T. G. Pinches.

Tar'tak

A god of the Avite colonists in Samaria. 2Ki 17:31. The word is supposed to signify 'darkness,' or the under-world.

Tar'tak

(prince of darkness), one of the gods of the Avite or Avvite colonists of Samaria.

2Ki 17:31

According to rabbinical tradition, Tartak is said to have been worshipped under the form of an ass.