Asshurim: Descendants of Dedan
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The Asshurim are mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament as descendants of Dedan. Dedan is identified as a son of Jokshan, who was a son of Abraham through Keturah, his wife after Sarah's death. This lineage is outlined in the Book of Genesis, which provides a detailed account of the descendants of Abraham and their respective roles in the unfolding narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Asshurim is found in Genesis 25:3, which states: "Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurim, the Letushim, and the Leummim."

Genealogical Context:

The Asshurim, along with the Letushim and the Leummim, are listed as the progeny of Dedan. Dedan's lineage is significant as it connects to the broader narrative of the descendants of Abraham, who is a central patriarchal figure in the Bible. The genealogies in Genesis serve to trace the spread of Abraham's descendants and their influence across the ancient Near East.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The Asshurim, as descendants of Dedan, are part of the larger tapestry of tribes and peoples that emerged from the Abrahamic line. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about the Asshurim specifically, their mention alongside other tribes suggests their role in the complex network of relationships and interactions among the peoples of the region.

The name "Asshurim" itself may indicate a connection or association with the Assyrian people, although this is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text. The Assyrians were a significant power in the ancient Near East, known for their military prowess and expansive empire. However, the Asshurim as mentioned in Genesis are distinct from the later Assyrian Empire, and any connection remains speculative.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Asshurim in the genealogical records underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. The diverse descendants of Abraham, including those through Keturah, illustrate the breadth of God's covenant and the unfolding of His plan through various peoples and tribes.

The genealogies also highlight the interconnectedness of the biblical narrative, where even seemingly minor groups like the Asshurim contribute to the larger account of God's interaction with humanity. The Asshurim, as part of Dedan's lineage, remind readers of the expansive reach of Abraham's descendants and the fulfillment of divine promises across generations.
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Genesis 25:3
And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
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Library

Chapter xxv
... same region Dedan's descendants are not reported under the name of individuals but,
as the plural ending (im) indicates, as peoples. For "Asshurim" we could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

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Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim
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