Topical Encyclopedia The River Chebar is a significant waterway mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Ezekiel. It is most notably associated with the prophet Ezekiel, who received visions from God while in exile by this river. The Chebar is referenced in several passages, providing a backdrop for divine revelations and prophetic experiences.Biblical References: 1. Ezekiel 1:1 : "In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the River Chebar, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God." This verse introduces the setting for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, marking the beginning of his visions and the revelation of God's messages to the exiled Israelites. 2. Ezekiel 3:15 : "I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were living by the River Chebar. And I sat there among them for seven days, overwhelmed." Here, the Chebar is depicted as a place of gathering for the exiles, where Ezekiel joins his fellow Israelites, sharing in their plight and preparing for his prophetic mission. 3. Ezekiel 10:15 : "Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the living creatures I had seen by the River Chebar." This passage connects the Chebar with Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim, emphasizing the river as a site of divine encounter and revelation. Historical and Geographical Context: The River Chebar is traditionally identified with the Khabur River, a tributary of the Euphrates, located in what is now modern-day Syria. During the Babylonian exile, many Israelites were settled in this region, and the Chebar served as a geographical marker for their displacement from the Promised Land. The river's location in Mesopotamia underscores the historical context of the Babylonian captivity, a period of profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Jewish people. Theological Significance: The Chebar holds theological importance as the setting for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. It symbolizes the presence of God among His people, even in exile. The river serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate with His people regardless of their physical location. Ezekiel's visions by the Chebar convey messages of judgment, hope, and restoration, reflecting God's ongoing relationship with Israel despite their circumstances. Prophetic Ministry of Ezekiel: Ezekiel's experiences by the River Chebar highlight his role as a prophet during a time of national crisis. His visions and messages were intended to call the Israelites to repentance and to assure them of God's ultimate plan for redemption. The Chebar, therefore, is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of divine communication and the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant people. In summary, the River Chebar is a pivotal location in the biblical narrative, serving as the setting for Ezekiel's prophetic visions and symbolizing God's presence and revelation during the Babylonian exile. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 1:1,3Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 10:15,20 Library And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided Babylonia and Assyria The Four Gospels. Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. Light through Darkness The Greater Prophets. The Iranian Conquest The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources What is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.org Is Göbekli Tepe where the Garden of Eden was located? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rivers of Canaan Abounded With Fish Rivers of People Flying from Judgments Rivers of the Abundance of Grace in Christ Rivers of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Rivers: (Drying up of) of God's Judgments Rivers: (Fruitfulness of Trees Planted By) of the Permanent Rivers: (Overflowing of) God's Judgments Rivers: (Steady Course of) Peace of Saints Rivers: Banks of Covered With Flags Rivers: Banks of Frequented by Doves Rivers: Banks of Frequented by Wild Beasts Rivers: Banks of Frequently Overflowed Rivers: Banks of Peculiarly Fruitful Rivers: Banks of Places of Common Resort Rivers: Banks of Planted With Trees Rivers: Baptism often Performed In Rivers: Cities often Built Beside Rivers: Gardens often Made Beside Rivers: God's Power Over, Unlimited Rivers: Many, Fordable in some Places Rivers: Often the Boundaries of Kingdoms Rivers: Parted Into Many Streams Rivers: Useful For: Promoting Vegetation Rivers: Useful For: Supplying Drink to the People Related Terms |