Topical Encyclopedia The Pharpar is one of the two rivers mentioned in the Bible in connection with the healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria). The reference to the Pharpar is found in 2 Kings 5:12, where Naaman expresses his disdain for the waters of Israel compared to the rivers of his homeland: "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?" . This rhetorical question highlights the perceived superiority of the Pharpar and the Abana, the other river mentioned, over the Jordan River, where the prophet Elisha instructed Naaman to wash in order to be healed of his leprosy.The Pharpar River is historically associated with the region of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The river, along with the Abana, played a crucial role in the fertility and prosperity of the area, providing essential water for agriculture and sustaining the life of the city. The exact identification of the Pharpar is less certain than that of the Abana, which is commonly identified with the modern Barada River. Some scholars suggest that the Pharpar may correspond to the Awaj River, which flows south of Damascus. In the biblical narrative, Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions reflects a common human tendency to rely on familiar and seemingly superior resources rather than trusting in God's provision and direction. The Pharpar, as a symbol of natural beauty and abundance, represents the allure of worldly solutions and the challenge of faith in divine intervention. Naaman's eventual obedience to Elisha's command and his subsequent healing underscore the biblical theme of humility and the power of God to work through unexpected means. The mention of the Pharpar in Scripture, though brief, serves as a reminder of the historical and geographical context of the biblical narrative, illustrating the interconnectedness of the peoples and lands of the ancient Near East. It also highlights the broader theological message of God's sovereignty and the call to trust in His ways, even when they defy human expectations. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 5:12Are 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed A Little Jewish Maid. Naaman Naaman the Syrian A Little Maid of Israel. The Conversion of Paul. A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ. The Water of Life; Paul's Departure and Crown; Resources What is the meaning of wormwood in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Pishon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be doers of the Word in James 1:22? | 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 |
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