The Tarpelites are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the resettlement of Samaria following the Assyrian conquest. The reference to the Tarpelites is found in the book of Ezra, which provides a historical account of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Reference:

The Tarpelites are mentioned in Ezra 4:9-10 , which states: "From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, and the other peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates."

Historical Context:

The Tarpelites were among the various peoples relocated by the Assyrian Empire during its expansionist campaigns. The Assyrians, known for their policy of deporting conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and to assimilate them into the empire, moved these groups into the region of Samaria. This policy led to a mixed population in Samaria, which later became a point of contention between the returning Jewish exiles and the inhabitants of the land.

Cultural and Geographical Background:

The exact origin of the Tarpelites is not definitively known, but they are believed to be one of the many ethnic groups resettled by the Assyrians. The name "Tarpelites" may suggest a connection to a specific region or city, possibly within the Assyrian Empire's vast territory. Some scholars speculate that the name could be linked to a location in Mesopotamia or the surrounding areas, but concrete evidence is lacking.

Role in the Biblical Narrative:

In the book of Ezra, the Tarpelites, along with other groups, are depicted as adversaries to the Jewish exiles who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and its Temple. These groups wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, expressing their opposition to the reconstruction efforts. Their actions are seen as part of a broader attempt to hinder the restoration of Jewish religious and cultural life in the land.

Ezra 4:11-16 records their letter: "To King Artaxerxes: From your servants, the men of the region west of the Euphrates. Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have returned to us at Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will no longer pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal revenue will suffer."

Theological Implications:

The opposition of the Tarpelites and other groups to the rebuilding of Jerusalem highlights the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their identity and religious practices. This narrative underscores themes of perseverance, faithfulness, and divine providence, as the Jewish exiles relied on God's guidance and protection to overcome external opposition.

The presence of the Tarpelites in the biblical account serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between different peoples and cultures in the ancient Near East, as well as the enduring struggle to maintain religious and cultural integrity in the face of external pressures.The Tarpelites

A race of Assyrian colonists who were planted int he cites of Samaria after the captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel. (Ezra 4:9) They have not been identified with any certainty.

2967. tarpelaye -- official (a Pers. title)
... Tarpelites. (Aramaic) from a name of foreign derivation; a Tarpelite (collectively)
or inhabitants of Tarpel, a place in Assyria -- Tarpelites. 2966, 2967. ...
/hebrew/2967.htm - 6kThe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus