Topical Encyclopedia Charax is a term that appears in historical and geographical contexts rather than directly within the biblical text. It is often associated with ancient cities and fortifications in the Near East, particularly in regions that intersect with biblical history. The name "Charax" itself is derived from the Greek word for "palisade" or "fortification," indicating its strategic importance in ancient times.Historical Context Charax was a name given to several fortified locations in the ancient world. One of the most notable was Charax Spasinu, located at the head of the Persian Gulf. This city was founded by Alexander the Great and later became a significant commercial hub under the Seleucid and Parthian empires. It served as a critical point for trade routes connecting the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Geographical Significance The geographical significance of Charax in biblical times lies in its strategic location. Situated near the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Charax Spasinu was ideally positioned to control trade and military movements. This made it a valuable asset for empires seeking to dominate the region. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, its proximity to Mesopotamia places it within the broader narrative of biblical history, where empires such as Babylon and Persia played pivotal roles. Biblical Connections While Charax itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its historical and geographical context provides insight into the world of the biblical patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. The city’s location near Mesopotamia, a region frequently referenced in the Bible, suggests that it may have been part of the backdrop for events and narratives found in Scripture. For instance, the influence of Mesopotamian culture and politics is evident in the accounts of figures like Abraham, who hailed from Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31), and the exilic experiences of the Israelites in Babylon. Cultural and Economic Impact Charax's role as a commercial center contributed to the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient Near East. The city facilitated the movement of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals, which were highly valued in biblical times. This trade not only enriched the city but also allowed for the exchange of cultural and religious ideas, potentially influencing the regions mentioned in the Bible. Archaeological Insights Archaeological findings in the region of Charax have provided valuable insights into the life and times of the ancient Near East. Excavations have uncovered remnants of fortifications, trade goods, and inscriptions that shed light on the city's significance. These discoveries help historians and biblical scholars understand the broader historical context in which biblical events occurred. Conclusion Charax, while not directly mentioned in the Bible, serves as a significant historical and geographical reference point for understanding the ancient Near East. Its strategic location and role as a commercial hub highlight the interconnectedness of the ancient world, providing a backdrop for the biblical narrative and enriching our understanding of the historical context in which the Bible was written. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHARAX; CHARACAkar'-ax, kar'-a-ka; (eis ton Charaka; the King James Version Charax): A place mentioned only in 2 Maccabees 12:17. It lay East of the Jordan and is said to be 750 stadia from Caspis, and to be inhabited by Jews called Tubieni, that is, of Tobie (Tob) in Gilead (1 Maccabees 5:9, 13; 2 Maccabees 12:17). There is no clue as to the direction in which Ch. lay from Caspis. Possibly Kerak (Kir-moab), in post-Biblical times called Charamoba and Moboucharax, may represent the place. It lay about 100 miles South of el-Mezerib, Southeast of the Dead Sea. Greek 5482. charax -- a pointed stake, a rampart ... 5481, 5482. charax. 5483 . a ... trench. see GREEK grapho. (charaka) -- 1 Occurrence. 5481, 5482. charax. 5483 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5482.htm - 6k 5481. charakter -- a tool for engraving 5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress 5489. chartes -- a sheet of paper (made of papyrus strips) Library How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the ... Letter cccxlviii. Basil to Libanius. How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants. The Iranian Conquest Thesaurus Charax... Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHARAX; CHARACA. kar'-ax, kar'-a-ka; (eis ton Charaka; the King James Version Charax): A place mentioned only in 2 Maccabees 12:17. ... /c/charax.htm - 6k Characa Tubieni Bank (28 Occurrences) Charchemish (1 Occurrence) Charashim (1 Occurrence) Habor (3 Occurrences) Siege (63 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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