Pronunciation: [ʃˈamaʃ] (IPA) 
The word "shamash" is spelled with six letters and pronounced /ˈʃæmæʃ/. The first two letters, "sh", represent the voiceless postalveolar fricative /ʃ/. The next two letters are "a" and "m", which are pronounced as /æ/ and /m/ respectively. The final two letters, "a" and "sh", represent the same sounds as the first two letters. "Shamash" is a Hebrew word for "servant" and is also the name of a deity in ancient Mesopotamian religions.
Shamash is a term derived from the Akkadian language, and it refers to a deity associated with the sun in ancient Mesopotamian religion. In the pantheon of gods worshipped by the people of Mesopotamia, the high importance of the sun god Shamash cannot be overstated. Considered the twin brother of Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, Shamash was venerated as the celestial judge and the ultimate source of justice and truth.
The word "shamash" itself translates to "sun" in Akkadian. As the solar deity, Shamash held a prominent role in daily life, overseeing matters related to law, order, and cosmic harmony. Followers believed that the sun god had the ability to dispel darkness, both literally and metaphorically, and bring illumination and enlightenment to the world. Shamash was often depicted as a radiant figure, adorned with solar symbols such as a headdress or rays of light emanating from his shoulders.
Shamash's role as a divine judge made him influential in legal matters. People believed that he possessed the ability to discern truth and deliver justice impartially. Citizens would often invoke Shamash's name when seeking fair and just resolutions in legal disputes. In addition, his association with law and order extended to the divine realm, as he was seen as the protector of oaths, contracts, and agreements.
Overall, shamash is a term referring to a powerful solar deity worshipped in ancient Mesopotamia, responsible for upholding justice, order, and truth in both the celestial and earthly realms.
