Bible Dictionary
Tartak
Tartak was an otherwise unknown idol worshiped by the Avvite colonists whom the Assyrians settled in Samaria after the exile of Israel.
Definition
Tartak was an otherwise unknown idol of the Avvite colonists whom the Assyrians settled in the cities of Samaria after Israel’s deportation.
Biblical Usage
Tartak is named among the gods worshiped by the peoples settled in Samaria. Its mention forms part of the account of the mixed worship practiced there.
Historical Background
The supplied material gives no reliable description of Tartak’s form or cult. A rabbinical tradition said it was worshiped in the form of an ass, but the idol is otherwise unknown.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Prince of darkness, one of the gods of the Arvites, who colonized part of Samaria after the deportation of Israel by Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:31).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(prince of darkness), one of the gods of the Avite or Avvite colonists of Samaria. (2 Kings 17:31) According to rabbinical tradition, Tartak is said to have been worshipped under the form of an ass.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tar'-tak (tartaq): In 2Ki 17:31 mentioned as the name of an idol of the Avvites, one of the peoples sent by Shalmaneser to the cities of Samaria. It is otherwise unknown.</p>