Ash'kenaz is a biblical figure mentioned in the Table of Nations in the Book of Genesis. He is identified as a descendant of Noah, specifically through the line of Japheth. The name Ash'kenaz is also associated with a people and a region, which have been subjects of historical and geographical interest.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 10:3 : "The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah." In this passage, Ash'kenaz is listed as one of the sons of Gomer, who is the son of Japheth. This places Ash'kenaz among the Japhetic peoples, traditionally understood to be the ancestors of various Indo-European groups.

2. 1 Chronicles 1:6 : "The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah." This verse reiterates the genealogy found in Genesis, confirming Ash'kenaz's place in the lineage of Japheth.

3. Jeremiah 51:27 : "Raise a banner in the land; blow the trumpet among the nations; prepare the nations against her; summon the kingdoms against her—Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a marshal against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts." In this prophetic context, Ash'kenaz is mentioned alongside other nations summoned to come against Babylon. This suggests that Ash'kenaz was recognized as a distinct people or region during the time of Jeremiah.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The identification of Ash'kenaz with a specific historical people or region has been a topic of scholarly debate. Traditionally, Ash'kenaz has been associated with the Scythians, a group of ancient nomadic tribes known for their skills in horseback riding and warfare. Some scholars have also linked Ash'kenaz to regions in Asia Minor or the area around the Black Sea.

In Jewish tradition, the name Ashkenaz later came to be associated with the Jews of Central and Eastern Europe, known as Ashkenazi Jews. This association, however, is a later development and not directly connected to the biblical references.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Ash'kenaz in the Table of Nations underscores the biblical theme of the dispersion of peoples and the diversity of nations stemming from Noah's descendants. The inclusion of Ash'kenaz in the prophetic literature of Jeremiah highlights the interconnectedness of various nations in the divine plan and judgment.

The genealogical records in Genesis and Chronicles serve to establish the historical and ethnic roots of the nations, reflecting the biblical worldview of a common ancestry for all humanity. Ash'kenaz, as part of this lineage, contributes to the broader narrative of God's sovereignty over the nations and His unfolding purposes throughout history.Ash'kenaz (3 Occurrences)

Genesis 10:3
And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:6
And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Diphath, and Togarmah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 51:27
Lift ye up an ensign in the land, Blow a trumpet among nations, Sanctify against it nations, Summon against it the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz, Appoint against it an infant head, Cause the horse to ascend as the rough cankerworm.
(See RSV)

Ash'kenaz (3 Occurrences)
Ash'kenaz. Ashkenaz, Ash'kenaz. Ashnah . Multi-Version Concordance
Ash'kenaz (3 Occurrences). Genesis 10:3 And the sons of Gomer ...
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Ashkenaz (3 Occurrences)

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Ashnah (2 Occurrences)

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