Car'chemish
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Car'chemish was an ancient city of significant historical and biblical importance, located on the banks of the Euphrates River. It is often associated with pivotal events in the Near Eastern history and is mentioned in the Bible in the context of military campaigns and prophetic declarations.

Geographical and Historical Context

Car'chemish was strategically situated in what is now modern-day Turkey, near the border with Syria. Its location made it a critical juncture for trade and military routes between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. The city was a major center for the Hittite Empire and later came under the control of the Assyrians and Egyptians.

Biblical References

Car'chemish is notably mentioned in the Bible in relation to the battle that took place there in 605 BC. This battle is a significant event in biblical history, marking the decline of Egyptian power and the rise of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar II. The prophet Jeremiah references this battle in his prophecies:

· Jeremiah 46:2 : "Concerning Egypt, about the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was by the Euphrates River at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah."

This verse highlights the defeat of Pharaoh Necho II by the Babylonians, a turning point that shifted the balance of power in the region. The battle of Car'chemish is also indirectly referenced in the book of 2 Kings, which describes the geopolitical shifts during the reign of Jehoiakim.

Prophetic Significance

The battle of Car'chemish is not only a historical event but also carries prophetic significance. Jeremiah's prophecy against Egypt (Jeremiah 46) uses the defeat at Car'chemish as a symbol of God's judgment against the nations that opposed His will. The fall of Egypt at this battle is seen as a fulfillment of divine prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the nations.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations at the site of Car'chemish have provided valuable insights into the city's history and its role in the ancient Near East. The ruins reveal a city that was heavily fortified and culturally rich, with influences from various empires that controlled it over the centuries. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative of Car'chemish as a significant military and political center.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the events at Car'chemish underscore the theme of divine providence and judgment found throughout the Bible. The city's mention in the prophetic literature serves as a reminder of God's control over historical events and His ability to use nations to accomplish His purposes. The defeat of Egypt at Car'chemish is a testament to the fulfillment of God's word through His prophets, reinforcing the reliability and authority of biblical prophecy.
Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Among the upper classes, at least, domestic arrangements were modelled upon the
fashions observed in the palaces of the nobles of Car-chemish or Assur: the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Thesaurus
Car'chemish (3 Occurrences)
Car'chemish. Carchemish, Car'chemish. Care . Multi-Version Concordance
Car'chemish (3 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 35:20 After all ...
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Carchemish (3 Occurrences)

/c/carchemish.htm - 13k

Care (466 Occurrences)

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Concordance
Car'chemish (3 Occurrences)

2 Chronicles 35:20
After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates; and Josiah went out against him.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 10:9
Is not Calno as Carchemish? Is not Hamath as Arpad? Is not Samaria as Damascus?
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 46:2
For Egypt, concerning the force of Pharaoh-Necho king of Egypt, that hath been by the river Phrat, in Carchemish, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath smitten, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:
(See RSV)

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Car'chemish

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Carchemish (3 Occurrences)

Care (466 Occurrences)

Carchemish
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