The term "Chaldees" refers to the people of Chaldea, an ancient region located in the southern part of Mesopotamia, corresponding to modern-day southern Iraq. The Chaldeans are often associated with the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which rose to prominence in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. In the Bible, the Chaldeans are frequently mentioned in connection with their influence on the history and culture of the ancient Near East, particularly in relation to the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 11:28, 31 : The Chaldeans are first mentioned in the context of the family of Terah, the father of Abram (later Abraham). "While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth." (Genesis 11:28). This passage indicates that Ur, a significant city in Chaldea, was the original home of Abram before God called him to leave for the land of Canaan.

2. 2 Kings 24:2 : The Chaldeans are noted as one of the groups that God used to bring judgment upon Judah. "And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim to destroy Judah, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by His servants the prophets."

3. Daniel 1:4 : The Chaldeans are recognized for their wisdom and learning. When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took young men from Judah into his service, he sought those "young men without any physical defect, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace, and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans."

4. Isaiah 13:19 : The Chaldeans are associated with the city of Babylon, which is prophesied to face destruction. "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory and pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Chaldeans were known for their advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and literature. They played a significant role in the development of the Babylonian culture, which was characterized by its impressive architectural achievements, such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and its contributions to law and governance, exemplified by the Code of Hammurabi.

The Chaldeans' influence extended beyond their own borders, impacting neighboring regions and peoples, including the Israelites. The Babylonian Exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history, was initiated by the Chaldean king Nebuchadnezzar II, who conquered Jerusalem and deported many of its inhabitants to Babylon.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the Chaldeans are often depicted as instruments of God's judgment against His people for their disobedience and idolatry. Despite their role as conquerors, the prophets also foretold the eventual downfall of the Chaldean Empire, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

The Chaldeans serve as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. Through the rise and fall of empires, the biblical message underscores the hope of deliverance and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.Chaldees or Chaldees

[CHALDEANS, OR CHALDEES]

3778. Kasdi -- a region of S. Bab. and its inhab.
... and its inhab. NASB Word Usage Chaldea (7), Chaldeans (71), Chaldeans' (1),
Chaldees (1). Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. ...
/hebrew/3778.htm - 6k

Chapter xii
... word of the Lord came unto Abram, it will be found that these experiences make a
total of eight, or, counting the original word in Ur of Chaldees according to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xii.htm

The End
... was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate, between
two walls, which is by the king's garden; (now the Chaldees were against ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the end.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... he departed out of Haran.". It was several years before this that God first
told him to leave Ur of the Chaldees. Then he came to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Of the Kings and Times of the Earthly City which were Synchronous ...
... then, who succeeded his father Belus, the first king of Assyria, was already the
second king of that kingdom when Abraham was born in the land of the Chaldees. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 2 of the kings and.htm

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... Abraham dwelt with his father, Terah, who was an idolater, in Ur of the Chaldees,
when he received the call of God to go entirely away from his kindred and his ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... This people dwelled first in Mesopotamia, and was of the progeny of the Chaldees,
but would not dwell there for they would not follow the gods of their fathers ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... Ur of the Chaldees, the birth place and home of Abraham, was the seat of the great
temple of the moon-god, and this sanctuary became so famous that the moon ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Israelites
... Israel traced its origin to Babylonia. It was from "Ur of the Chaldees" that Abraham
"the Hebrew" had come, the rock out of which it was hewn. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... It gives the history of the temple and its service from Josiah to Ezra"its restoration
by Josiah, destruction by the Chaldees, rebuilding and reestablishment ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Chapter xi
... Terah begat Abram and Nahor and Haran. And Haran begat Lot. And Haran died before
Terah, his father, in the land of his birth, in Ur of Chaldees. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xi.htm

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