Topical Encyclopedia Paran is a significant geographical location mentioned in the Bible, often associated with the wilderness and the journeys of the Israelites. It is a desert region situated in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, extending into the southern part of modern-day Israel and Jordan. Paran is frequently referenced in the context of the Israelites' 40-year sojourn in the wilderness following their exodus from Egypt.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 21:21 · Paran is first mentioned in the context of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. After being sent away by Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael dwelt in the wilderness of Paran. "And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt" . 2. Numbers 10:12 · The Israelites camped in the Wilderness of Paran during their journey from Mount Sinai. "And the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud came to rest in the Wilderness of Paran" . 3. Deuteronomy 1:1 · Paran is mentioned as one of the locations where Moses addressed the Israelites. "These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab" . 4. 1 Samuel 25:1 · After the death of Samuel, David went down to the Wilderness of Paran. "Then Samuel died, and all Israel gathered to mourn for him, and they buried him at his home in Ramah. And David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran" . 5. Habakkuk 3:3 · Paran is poetically referenced in a theophany, highlighting God's majestic presence. "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth" . El-Paran is mentioned in Genesis 14:6 as a location near the wilderness where the Horites were defeated by Chedorlaomer and his allies. "And the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness" . This reference suggests that El-Paran is a specific site within the broader region of Paran, possibly marking a boundary or a notable landmark. Theological Significance: Paran holds theological significance as a place of testing, revelation, and divine guidance. It is in the wilderness of Paran that the Israelites experienced God's provision and discipline. The wilderness journey symbolizes the trials and growth of faith, as the Israelites learned to rely on God's sustenance and direction. The association of Paran with Ishmael also highlights the theme of God's care and provision for those outside the covenant community, as God promised to make Ishmael a great nation. In prophetic literature, such as Habakkuk, Paran serves as a backdrop for God's powerful and awe-inspiring presence, emphasizing His sovereignty and glory. Historical and Geographical Context: The Wilderness of Paran is characterized by its arid climate, rugged terrain, and sparse vegetation. It served as a natural corridor for ancient trade routes and military campaigns. The region's harsh conditions underscore the miraculous nature of the Israelites' survival and the divine interventions they experienced. In summary, Paran and El-Paran are integral to the biblical narrative, representing both physical locations and spiritual themes of testing, provision, and divine encounter. ATS Bible Dictionary Paran or El-ParanGenesis 14:6, a large tract of desert country lying south of Palestine, and west of the valley El Arabah, which runs from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Akaba. It was in and near this desert region that the Israelites wandered thirty-eight years. See EXODUS. It extended on the south to within three days' journey of Sinai, Numbers 10:12,33 12:16, if not to Sinai itself, De 33:2 Heb 3:3. On the north, it included the deserts of Kadesh and Zin, Numbers 13:3,21,27. Here Hagar and Ishmael dwelt, Genesis 21:14,21; and hither David, and afterwards Hadad, retired for a time, 1 Samuel 25:1 1 Kings 11:18. Burckhardt found it a dreary expanse of calcareous soil, covered with black flints. Some cities and cultivated grounds, however, and considerable patches of pasturelands, were anciently found in this region. The northeast part is traversed from east to west by ranges of hills. Strong's Hebrew 364. El Paran -- "terebinth of Paran," a city and harbor on the ...... El-paran. From 'ayil and Pa'ran; oak of Paran; El- Paran, a portion of the district of Paran -- El-paran. see HEBREW 'ayil. see HEBREW Pa'ran. 363, 364. ... /hebrew/364.htm - 6k Library Chapter xiv The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What is the Wilderness of Sin? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Abigail in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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