Karkemish, an ancient city of significant historical and biblical importance, is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, near the modern-day border between Turkey and Syria. This city is mentioned in the Bible and is notable for its strategic and military significance in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

Karkemish is referenced in the Bible in the context of a major battle involving the Egyptian and Babylonian empires. In 2 Chronicles 35:20, the city is mentioned in relation to King Josiah of Judah: "After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him." This passage highlights the geopolitical importance of Karkemish as a battleground for regional powers.

The prophet Jeremiah also refers to Karkemish in 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 underscores the decisive battle that took place at Karkemish, where the Babylonian forces, led by Nebuchadnezzar, defeated the Egyptians, marking a significant shift in power in the ancient Near East.

Historical Context:

Karkemish was a major city-state and a key commercial and military hub due to its location along the Euphrates River. It served as a crossroads for trade and military campaigns, making it a coveted prize for empires seeking to control the region. The city's strategic position allowed it to influence the political and economic landscape of the area.

The Battle of Karkemish, fought around 605 BC, was a pivotal event in ancient history. The defeat of the Egyptian forces by the Babylonians not only marked the decline of Egyptian influence in the region but also solidified Babylon's dominance under Nebuchadnezzar. This battle had far-reaching implications for the kingdoms of Judah and the surrounding nations, as it shifted the balance of power and set the stage for subsequent Babylonian conquests, including the eventual fall of Jerusalem.

Archaeological Significance:

Archaeological excavations at Karkemish have revealed a wealth of information about the city's history and culture. The site has yielded artifacts, inscriptions, and architectural remains that provide insight into the city's role as a major center of Hittite, Assyrian, and later Babylonian influence. These findings have helped scholars better understand the historical context of the biblical references to Karkemish and the broader geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East.

In summary, Karkemish is a city of great historical and biblical significance, serving as a focal point for the power struggles between ancient empires. Its mention in the Bible highlights its role in the unfolding narrative of God's people and the shifting tides of history in the ancient world.3751. Karkemish -- a city on the Euphrates
... Karkemish. 3752 . a city on the Euphrates. Transliteration: Karkemish Phonetic
Spelling: (kar-kem-eesh') Short Definition: Carchemish. ... Karkemish. 3752 . ...
/hebrew/3751.htm - 6kKarkemish (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Karkemish (2 Occurrences). ... (DBY). Isaiah 10:9 Is not Calno
as Karkemish? Is not Hamath as Arpad? Is not Samaria as Damascus? (DBY). ...
/k/karkemish.htm - 6k

Karkaah (1 Occurrence)

/k/karkaah.htm - 6k

Karkor (1 Occurrence)

/k/karkor.htm - 7k

Carchemish (3 Occurrences)
... kar'-ke-mish (karkemish; Charmeis, Karchameis): An exceedingly ancient Hittite city
on the banks of the Euphrates, identified with Jerablus (Hierapolis) about ...
/c/carchemish.htm - 13k

Arranged (32 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 35:20 After all this, when Josiah had arranged the house, Necho king
of Egypt came up to fight against Karkemish at the Euphrates; and Josiah went ...
/a/arranged.htm - 16k

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