Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Aramnaharaim, often translated as "Aram of the Two Rivers," is a geographical term found in the Hebrew Bible. The name is derived from the Hebrew words "Aram," referring to a region or people, and "naharaim," meaning "two rivers." This term is traditionally understood to refer to the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known in classical antiquity as Mesopotamia. Biblical References: Aramnaharaim is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament. One of the earliest references is found in Genesis 24:10, where Abraham's servant travels to Aramnaharaim to find a wife for Isaac: "Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master’s hand. And he set out for Aram Naharaim, to Nahor’s city." Another significant mention is in Judges 3:8, where the Israelites are delivered into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Aramnaharaim, as a consequence of their disobedience: "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, and the Israelites served him for eight years." Historical and Geographical Context: Aramnaharaim is often associated with the broader region of Mesopotamia, which was a cradle of early civilization. This area was known for its rich cultural and historical significance, being home to ancient cities such as Ur, Babylon, and Nineveh. The term "Aram" itself refers to a group of Semitic peoples who inhabited regions of modern-day Syria and northern Mesopotamia. The identification of Aramnaharaim with Mesopotamia is supported by its geographical description as the land between two rivers. This region was a significant cultural and trade hub in the ancient Near East, influencing the surrounding areas, including the land of Canaan. Cultural and Theological Significance: Aramnaharaim holds a place of importance in the biblical narrative as the homeland of the patriarchs' ancestors. It is the region from which Abraham's family originated before his call by God to journey to Canaan. This connection is further emphasized in the account of Jacob, who travels to Aramnaharaim to find a wife from his mother's family, as recorded in Genesis 28:2. Theologically, Aramnaharaim represents both a place of origin and a place of exile or oppression, as seen in the account of Cushan-Rishathaim. This duality reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people being called out of foreign lands and the consequences of disobedience leading to subjugation by foreign powers. Conclusion: Aramnaharaim serves as a significant geographical and cultural reference in the biblical narrative, symbolizing both the ancestral roots of the Israelites and the challenges they faced from surrounding nations. Its mention in Scripture underscores the historical and theological connections between the people of Israel and the broader ancient Near Eastern world. Easton's Bible Dictionary Aram of the two rivers, is Mesopotamia (as it is rendered in Genesis 24:10), the country enclosed between the Tigris on the east and the Euphrates on the west (Psalm 60, title); called also the "field of Aram" (Hosea 12:12, R.V.) i.e., the open country of Aram; in the Authorized Version, "country of Syria." Padan-aram (q.v.) was a portion of this country. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARAM-NAHARAIMa-ram-na-ha-ra'-im. See SYRIA. Thesaurus Aramnaharaim/a/aramnaharaim.htm - 7k Aram-naharaim (5 Occurrences) Aram-maachah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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