Topical Encyclopedia The Apharesattechites are mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history, specifically in the Book of Ezra. This group is listed among the peoples who were settled in Samaria and surrounding regions during the time of the Persian Empire. They are part of the broader narrative concerning the opposition faced by the returning Jewish exiles as they sought to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to the Apharesattechites is found in Ezra 4:9-10. In this passage, they are included in a list of peoples who wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, expressing their opposition to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows: "From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, and the other peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates." (Ezra 4:9-10) Historical Context: The Apharesattechites, along with other groups mentioned in Ezra 4, were likely part of the populations resettled by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. These empires had a policy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to integrate diverse cultures into their domain. The Apharesattechites, therefore, were among those who had been transplanted into the region of Samaria, which had been the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its fall in 722 BC. Role in Opposition: The Apharesattechites' opposition to the rebuilding of the temple is significant in understanding the challenges faced by the Jewish exiles. Their resistance was part of a broader coalition of local leaders and peoples who feared the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in Jerusalem. This opposition was rooted in political, economic, and religious concerns, as the rebuilding of the temple symbolized the restoration of Jewish identity and autonomy under the favor of the Persian king. Cultural and Religious Implications: From a cultural and religious perspective, the presence of the Apharesattechites and other foreign groups in Samaria contributed to the complex ethnic and religious landscape of the region. This diversity set the stage for future tensions between Jews and Samaritans, as seen in later biblical narratives and historical accounts. The Apharesattechites, as part of this mixed population, would have been influenced by various religious practices and beliefs, which often conflicted with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh central to Jewish identity. Significance in Biblical Narrative: The mention of the Apharesattechites in Ezra underscores the theme of opposition and perseverance in the biblical narrative. Despite the challenges posed by these groups, the Jewish exiles, under leaders like Zerubbabel and later Nehemiah, continued their efforts to restore their religious and cultural heritage. The resistance from the Apharesattechites and others highlights the broader spiritual struggle faced by the Jewish community as they sought to re-establish their covenant relationship with God in their ancestral land. Concordance Apharesattechites (1 Occurrence)Ezra 4:9 Thesaurus Apharesattechites (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Apharesattechites (1 Occurrence). Ezra 4:9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and ... /a/apharesattechites.htm - 6k Apharesachites (2 Occurrences) Apharesites (1 Occurrence) Shim'shai (4 Occurrences) Commanding (79 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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