Lexical Summary Kelach: Perfection, completion Original Word: כֶּלַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kelach, a place in Assyria The same as kelach; Kelach, a place in Assyria: see HEBREW kelach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kelach Definition a city in Assyr. NASB Translation Calah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [כֶּ֫לַח], כָּ֑לַח proper name, of a location city in Assyria Genesis 10:11,12 #NAME?kal—u, SchrCOT on the passage DlPar 261, modern Nimrûd, at northeast angle of Upper Zab and Tigris (see Billerbeck u. Jeremias BASiii. 1895, 130 ff.) Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingCalah (Hebrew Kelach) appears exclusively in Genesis 10:11–12, embedded in the Table of Nations. Scripture states that after the Flood, “From that land he went to Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, and Resen, which is between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city” (Genesis 10:11-12). The builder is Nimrod, grandson of Ham and great-grandson of Noah. These verses place Calah among the earliest post-Flood urban centers that helped shape the Assyrian realm. Geographical and Historical Background 1. Location Calah is widely identified with the ruins of Nimrud in modern northern Iraq, approximately thirty kilometers south-southeast of Mosul on the Tigris River. Its strategic setting on fertile plains and near major trade routes made it well suited for rapid growth. 2. Rise and Decline Archaeological Correlates Extensive excavations since the nineteenth century have unearthed: • Massive defensive walls and a citadel confirming a city of consequence. These findings reinforce the historic reliability of the Table of Nations, demonstrating that the cities it lists correspond to verifiable locations and cultures. Theological Themes 1. Human Ambition and Divine Sovereignty Nimrod’s construction projects symbolize humanity’s drive for dominion. While Genesis records his success, subsequent prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 10:12-19; Nahum 1:1) shows how Assyria’s pride invited divine judgment. Calah thus becomes a reminder that earthly strength is temporary before the Lord of hosts. 2. Continuity of the Biblical Narrative Calah’s inclusion in Genesis links primeval history with the later prophetic drama surrounding Assyria. The same region that produced ruthless conquerors also later witnessed God’s compassion toward Nineveh in the days of Jonah—a testament to consistent themes of justice and mercy across Scripture. 3. Foreshadowing the Kingdom of God Whereas Nimrod sought to consolidate power through fortified cities, the Lord promises an everlasting city “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Calah stands in contrast to the New Jerusalem, highlighting the transient nature of human empires. Ministry Significance • Apologetics: The alignment between Genesis and archaeology strengthens confidence in biblical historicity, offering believers a persuasive tool when addressing skeptics. Practical Applications 1. Evaluate personal and corporate ambitions against the standards of God’s kingdom rather than worldly achievement. Summary Calah emerges from just two verses in Genesis yet opens a rich window onto early Assyrian civilization, the nature of human power, and the overarching sovereignty of God. Its excavated ruins validate Scripture’s record, its history echoes timeless theological lessons, and its legacy inspires believers to pursue lasting glory in the city whose foundations cannot be shaken. Forms and Transliterations כָּ֑לַח כָּֽלַח׃ כלח כלח׃ KalachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:11 HEB: עִ֖יר וְאֶת־ כָּֽלַח׃ NAS: Nineveh and Rehoboth-Ir and Calah, KJV: and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, INT: and Rehoboth-Ir and the city and Calah Genesis 10:12 2 Occurrences |
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