Overview:
Abana is one of the rivers mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the city of Damascus. It is referenced in the Old Testament, where it is noted for its significance and comparison to the waters of Israel. The river is associated with the region's fertility and beauty, contributing to the prosperity of Damascus.

Biblical Reference:
The primary biblical reference to the Abana River is found in 2 Kings 5:12. In this passage, Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, expresses his disdain for the waters of Israel by comparing them to the rivers of Damascus. The verse reads: "Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went away in a rage." (2 Kings 5:12).

Historical and Geographical Context:
The Abana River, also known historically as the Barada River, is one of the main watercourses that flow through the region of Damascus. It originates from the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and travels through the city, providing a crucial water source for agriculture and daily life. The river's waters have historically been vital for the irrigation of the fertile Ghouta oasis surrounding Damascus, making the area one of the most productive agricultural regions in the ancient Near East.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:
In the biblical narrative, the mention of the Abana River highlights the cultural pride and perceived superiority of the natural resources of Damascus compared to those of Israel. Naaman's reference to the Abana and Pharpar rivers underscores the esteem in which these watercourses were held by the people of Damascus. The rivers were not only essential for sustaining life but also symbolized the wealth and beauty of the region.

Linguistic Notes:
The name "Abana" is sometimes rendered as "Amanah" in various translations and manuscripts. The river's name is thought to be derived from a root meaning "to build" or "to establish," reflecting its foundational role in the life and prosperity of Damascus.

Modern Identification:
Today, the Abana River is identified with the Barada River, which continues to flow through Damascus. Despite modern challenges such as pollution and overuse, the Barada remains a significant geographical feature of the city and its surroundings.2 Kings 5:12
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Nave's Topical Index

71. Abanah -- a river near Damascus
... Abana. Perhaps feminine of 'eben; stony; Abanah, a river near Damascus -- Abana.
Compare 'Amanah. see HEBREW 'eben. see HEBREW 'Amanah. 70, 71. Abanah. 72 ...
/hebrew/71.htm - 6k

Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
... said, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than ... At any rate, Abana
and Pharpar are cleaner and wider ... it seems to be but a dead river at the ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/mr evil-questioning tried and executed.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than ... Why should he bathe in
the Jordan River, where the ... when he had his own rivers of Abana the golden ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

A Little Maid
... Jordan in a scornful way, comparing them with his splendid Damascus, and its green,
beautiful plain, thirty miles wide, and the great river Abana, that gushed ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm

Naaman the Syrian
... Why, we call the river Jordan a ditch in our country ... fancy Naaman's indignation as
he asks, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iii naaman the syrian.htm

The Christian Described
... for thy want of goodness and works, let that by no means daunt thee; this is a river
of water ... Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

The Water of Life;
... directions amply given to the pilgrim to guide him in his progress to the celestial
city; and he now introduces us to a majestic overflowing river, 'The Water ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... towns which commanded a road or mountain pass, the ford of a river, or the ... portions
of their territory which lay exposed to the attacks of Damascus, Moab, Edom ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... around Damascus a miniature delta, into which a thousand interlacing channels carry
refreshment and fertility. Below the town these streams rejoin the river, ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... 'Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel;
may I not wash in them and be clean?' saith he (2 Kings 5:10-12). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

What is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org

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