Topical Encyclopedia The Carmanians are a people group mentioned in historical texts outside of the Bible, primarily associated with the region of Carmania, which corresponds to the modern-day province of Kerman in southeastern Iran. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the Carmanians, understanding their historical and geographical context can provide insights into the broader biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the Persian Empire and its influence on the ancient Near East.Historical Context Carmania was a satrapy (province) of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, which is frequently referenced in the Bible, especially in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. The Achaemenid Empire, under rulers such as Cyrus the Great and Darius I, played a significant role in the history of the Jewish people, particularly during the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return to Jerusalem. The Carmanians, as inhabitants of this region, would have been subjects of the Persian Empire. Their inclusion in the empire's vast territory highlights the diversity and reach of Persian rule, which extended from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west. Biblical Connections While the Bible does not directly mention the Carmanians, the influence of the Persian Empire is evident in several biblical accounts. For instance, the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, is a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The Berean Standard Bible records this decree in Ezra 1:2-4: > "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let every survivor, wherever he resides, be assisted by the men of his region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.'" The Persian influence is also seen in the book of Esther, where the Jewish people are saved from annihilation through the intervention of Queen Esther and Mordecai, both of whom held positions of influence within the Persian court. Cultural and Religious Influence The Carmanians, like other peoples within the Persian Empire, would have been exposed to Zoroastrianism, the predominant religion of Persia at the time. Zoroastrianism, with its dualistic worldview and emphasis on the cosmic struggle between good and evil, may have had indirect influences on Jewish thought during the exile, although the core tenets of Judaism remained distinct and rooted in the revelation of Yahweh. Geographical Significance Carmania's location along trade routes connecting the Persian heartland with the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula would have made it a region of strategic importance. This geographical significance underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world, where trade, culture, and political power were in constant flux. In summary, while the Carmanians are not directly mentioned in the biblical text, their historical and geographical context within the Persian Empire provides a backdrop for understanding the broader narrative of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the Jewish people during a time of exile and restoration. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CARMANIANSkar-ma'-ni-anz. Library The Iranian Conquest Thesaurus CarmaniansCarmanians. Carkas, Carmanians. Carme . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CARMANIANS. kar-ma'-ni-anz. See CARMONIANS. Carkas, Carmanians. Carme . ... /c/carmanians.htm - 6k Carme Carkas (1 Occurrence) Carmonians Swine (15 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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