The term "Easterns" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of "Eastern" peoples, lands, and influences is prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. The term generally refers to the regions and peoples located to the east of Israel, including areas such as Mesopotamia, Persia, and Arabia. These regions played significant roles in the historical and spiritual context of the Bible.

Geographical Context

The "East" in biblical terms often refers to the lands beyond the Jordan River, extending into the vast territories of Mesopotamia and beyond. Genesis 2:8 mentions the Garden of Eden being planted "in the east," indicating the significance of the eastern region from the very beginning of the biblical narrative. The eastern lands were known for their wealth, wisdom, and sometimes idolatrous practices, which often influenced the Israelites.

Cultural and Historical Influence

1. Wise Men from the East: One of the most notable references to Easterners in the New Testament is the visit of the Magi, or wise men, from the East to worship the newborn Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). These Magi are traditionally understood to be scholars or astrologers from Persia or Babylon, indicating the influence and recognition of Jesus' birth beyond the immediate Jewish context.

2. Abraham's Origins: Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, originally came from Ur of the Chaldeans, a city located in Mesopotamia (Genesis 11:31). This eastern origin highlights the connection between the Israelites and the broader Semitic cultures of the ancient Near East.

3. Job and the East: The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, which is often associated with regions east of Israel. Job is described as "the greatest of all the people of the East" (Job 1:3), emphasizing his wealth and status in a region known for its prosperity and wisdom.

4. Eastern Kings and Empires: Throughout the Old Testament, various eastern empires, such as Assyria and Babylon, played pivotal roles in the history of Israel and Judah. These empires were instruments of God's judgment and discipline, as seen in the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel and the Babylonian exile of Judah.

Spiritual and Theological Implications

The East is often associated with both positive and negative spiritual connotations. On one hand, the East is a source of wisdom and wealth, as seen in the gifts brought by the Magi. On the other hand, it is also a place of exile and idolatry, as evidenced by the Babylonian captivity and the influence of Eastern religions and practices that often led Israel astray.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

In prophetic literature, the East is sometimes depicted as a source of judgment or deliverance. For instance, Isaiah 41:2 speaks of one "from the east" whom God calls in righteousness to serve His purposes. This has been interpreted as a reference to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who allowed the Jews to return from Babylonian exile.

The East also holds eschatological significance, as seen in the vision of the return of Christ. Matthew 24:27 states, "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man" . This imagery underscores the universality and suddenness of Christ's return.

Conclusion

The concept of the East in the Bible encompasses a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and spiritual elements. From the origins of the patriarchs to the prophetic visions of the end times, the East serves as a backdrop for God's unfolding plan of redemption and judgment.

Letter of Certain Easterns, who had Been Sent to Constantinople ...
... Letters of the Blessed Theodoret, CLXX. Letter of certain Easterns, who
had been sent to Constantinople, to Bishop Rufus. To our ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/clxx letter of certain easterns.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... On the Councils, or, The Faith of the Easterns. ... Now, therefore, let us
review the definitions of faith drawn up by the Easterns. ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

Probably Adopted at a Council Held in Constantinople the Next Year ...
... (7.) The Synod of Constantinople of 382 might well call this Tome, sent back to
Rome with the acceptance and signatures of the Easterns, a "Tome established at ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon v probably adopted at.htm

The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey)
... as in the vapour of a furnace; we must have felt the lassitude of heat, the torment
of thirst, ere we can welcome, as did those old Easterns, the well dug long ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon i the water of.htm

Abraham
... nor see how much one star differs from another star in glory; and therefore here
in the North we have never been tempted to worship them as the Easterns were. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Elucidations.
... 2) for its form of allegory and prophesying, (3) for its anachronisms, (4) for its
great currency, and (5) for its circulation among the Easterns, which was ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/elucidations.htm

But These, the Fewer they Became, Showed Themselves all the More ...
... Ursatius affirmed that the present confession of faith was drawn up on the lines
of Catholic doctrine, and having been brought forward by the Easterns at the ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xliv but these the.htm

Historical Note on the So-Called "Eighth General Council" and ...
... In 869 [555] was held at Constantinople what both the Easterns and Westerns
then considered to be the Eighth of the Ecumenical Synods. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/historical note on the so-called.htm

The Synod Held at Carthage Over which Presided the Great and Holy ...
... Footnotes: [504] These words are omitted in Zonaras's Greek! The very gist of the
matter for the Easterns. ... The very gist of the matter for the Easterns. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the synod held at carthage.htm

Theodoret and Chalcedon.
... Cast out the fighter against God! Cast out the Jew!' The Easterns and the most
religious bishops who were with them shouted out: The orthodox for the Council! ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/v theodoret and chalcedon.htm

Easterns (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Easterns (1 Occurrence). Job 18:20 At this day westerns
have been astonished And easterns have taken fright. (YLT). ...
/e/easterns.htm - 6k

Eastern (22 Occurrences)

/e/eastern.htm - 14k

Westerns (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Westerns (1 Occurrence). Job 18:20 At this day westerns
have been astonished And easterns have taken fright. (YLT). ...
/w/westerns.htm - 6k

East-gate (1 Occurrence)
East-gate. Easterns, East-gate. Eastward . Multi-Version Concordance East-gate
(1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Easterns, East-gate. Eastward . Reference Bible.
/e/east-gate.htm - 6k

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