Nisroch

Nisroch

Nisroch (Hebrew: נִסְרֹךְ; Greek: Νεσεραχ; Latin: Nesroch) (Aramaic: ܢܝܼܫܪܵܟ݂‎) is the Assyrian god of agriculture,[verification needed] in whose temple Sennacherib was worshipping when he was assassinated (2 Kings 19:37; Isa. 37:38). Josephus calls him Dagon.
According to the etymology, the name would signify eagle.[verification needed] Among the ancient Arabs, also, the eagle occurs as an idol.

His identification as a god in Mesopotamia is unclear. Some suggest he could be the same as Nusku.

Hebrew legend

In the Midrash, "Nisroch" is actually said to be derived from the Hebrew word "neser." Neser was the name given to a plank of wood discovered by Sennacherib on his return to Assyria from his campaign in Judah. The sages write that this plank was originally part of Noah's Ark, and that Sennacherib worshiped it as an idol. It would therefore be concluded that it was this idol that Sennacherib was worshiping when he was murdered by his two sons.

Nisroch in demonology

Some religious authors consider Nisroch to be a fallen angel, once of the order of Principalities and an associate to Belphegor. Johann Weyer and Collin de Plancy wrote that Nisroch is chief of cuisine to the princes in Hell.

Nisroch in fiction