The terms "Apharsites," "Apharsathchites," and "Apharsacites" refer to distinct groups of people mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. These groups are noted in the Book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Apharsites and Apharsathchites: These groups are mentioned in Ezra 4:9-10, where they are listed among the peoples who opposed the rebuilding of the Temple. The passage reads: "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."

2. Apharsacites: This group is also mentioned in Ezra 4:9, as part of the coalition of peoples who wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, expressing their opposition to the Jewish efforts to rebuild Jerusalem. The text includes them in the list of those who were settled in the region by the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal.

Historical Context:

The mention of these groups occurs during the reign of the Persian Empire, following the decree of Cyrus the Great that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. The opposition from these groups reflects the complex political and social dynamics of the region at the time. The Persian Empire had a policy of relocating conquered peoples, which led to a diverse population in areas like Samaria and the surrounding regions.

Cultural and Ethnic Identity:

The exact identity and origin of the Apharsites, Apharsathchites, and Apharsacites are not entirely clear from the biblical text alone. However, they are generally understood to be part of the broader group of peoples who were settled in the land by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. These groups likely had their own distinct cultural and ethnic identities, which contributed to their resistance against the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in Jerusalem.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the opposition of the Apharsites, Apharsathchites, and Apharsacites can be seen as part of the broader narrative of Israel's struggle to re-establish itself as a covenant community in the land promised to them by God. Their resistance serves as a backdrop to the faithfulness and perseverance of the Jewish leaders, such as Zerubbabel and Ezra, who were committed to fulfilling God's promises despite external challenges.

Implications for Israel's Restoration:

The resistance from these groups highlights the challenges faced by the returning exiles in rebuilding not only the physical structures of their society but also their religious and cultural identity. The narrative underscores the importance of reliance on divine guidance and support in overcoming opposition and fulfilling God's purposes for His people.

In summary, the Apharsites, Apharsathchites, and Apharsacites are representative of the broader opposition faced by the Jewish community during the post-exilic period, illustrating the complex interplay of political, cultural, and spiritual forces in the restoration of Israel.Apharsites Apharsathchites Apharsacites

the names of certain tribes, colonies from which had been planted in Samaria by the Assyrian leader Asnapper. (Ezra 4:9; 5:6) The first and last are regarded as the same. Whence these tribes came is entirely a matter of conjecture.

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