Introduction:
Eleutherus is a term that appears in historical and biblical contexts, primarily associated with a river and a region in the ancient Near East. The name "Eleutherus" is derived from the Greek word meaning "free" or "liberated." This entry explores the geographical and historical significance of Eleutherus, as well as its mention in biblical and extra-biblical sources.

Geographical Context:
The Eleutherus River, known today as the Nahr al-Kabir, is a significant waterway in the ancient Near East. It flows through the region that is now part of modern-day Lebanon and Syria, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The river served as a natural boundary between various ancient territories, including the northern border of Phoenicia and the southern border of the kingdom of Aram.

Historical Significance:
In ancient times, the Eleutherus River was a crucial geographical marker. It delineated the northern extent of the land of Canaan as described in various historical texts. The river's strategic location made it an important point of reference for trade routes and military campaigns. The surrounding region was known for its fertile land and was a contested area among neighboring powers, including the Egyptians, Hittites, and Assyrians.

Biblical References:
While the Eleutherus River itself is not explicitly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, its geographical significance is implied in descriptions of the boundaries of the Promised Land. The river's location aligns with the northern limits of the territories allotted to the tribes of Israel. In the context of biblical history, the region around the Eleutherus River would have been familiar to the Israelites and their neighbors.

Extra-Biblical Sources:
The Eleutherus River is mentioned in various ancient texts and inscriptions outside the Bible. These sources provide additional context for understanding the river's role in the geopolitics of the ancient Near East. For instance, Assyrian records from the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III mention campaigns that reached the Eleutherus River, highlighting its importance as a boundary and a point of conquest.

Cultural and Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the Eleutherus River and its surrounding region can be seen as part of the broader narrative of God's promise to the Israelites. The delineation of the Promised Land's boundaries, including areas near the Eleutherus, underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. The river's name, meaning "free," may also carry symbolic significance, reflecting themes of liberation and divine provision.

Conclusion:
The Eleutherus River, while not directly mentioned in the biblical text, holds a place of importance in the historical and geographical landscape of the ancient Near East. Its role as a boundary marker and its presence in extra-biblical records contribute to our understanding of the region's history and its relevance to the biblical narrative.ELEUTHERUS

e-lu'-ther-us (Eleutheros; APC 1Macc 11:7; 12:30):

A river separating Syria and Phoenicia.

How Lucius, King of Britain, Writing to Pope Eleutherus, Desired ...
... IV. How Lucius, king of Britain, writing to Pope Eleutherus, desired to be made
a Christian. ... He died in 169. Eleutherus became Pope between 171 and 177. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iv how lucius king.htm

Introduction.
... 1. Soter, [1345] bishop of the church of Rome, died after an episcopate of eight
years, and was succeeded by Eleutherus, [1346] the twelfth from the apostles. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/introduction 2.htm

The vision which Appeared in a Dream to the Witness Attalus.
... These they sent, while they were still in prison, to the brethren throughout Asia
and Phrygia, and also to Eleutherus, [1410] who was then bishop of Rome ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the vision which appeared.htm

List of Bishops.
... Peter, Cornhill. 2. Elvanus, messenger from Lucius to Eleutherus, Bishop of Rome,
by whom he was consecrated. ... 1. Dyfan (Missionaries of Eleutherus). 2. Ffagan. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/list of bishops.htm

The Bishops that were Well Known at this Time.
... In the tenth year of the reign of Commodus, Victor [1678] succeeded Eleutherus,
[1679] the latter having held the episcopate for thirteen years. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxii the bishops that were.htm

Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin ...
... You are, of course, familiar with the story that Lucius, a British king, requested
Eleutherus, or Eleutherius, Bishop of Rome 171 to 185, to send some one to ...
/.../lecture ii early mentions of.htm

Hegesippus and the Events which He Mentions.
... 3. And when I had come to Rome I remained there until Anicetus, [1229] whose deacon
was Eleutherus. And Anicetus was succeeded by Soter, and he by Eleutherus. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxii hegesippus and the events.htm

Concerning his Journey to Rome, and the Jewish Sects.
... On my arrival at Rome, I drew up a list of the succession of bishops down
to Anicetus, whose deacon was Eleutherus. To Anicetus ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/concerning his journey to rome.htm

The Rulers of the Churches of Rome and Alexandria During the Reign ...
... episcopus constitutus est Agrippinus annis IX., and then Eleutherus (under the
thirteenth year of the same ruler) is made the thirteenth bishop, while Victor ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xix the rulers of the.htm

The Bishops of Rome and of Alexandria During the Reign Of
... The list is probably the official catalogue as it had been handed down to the time
of Eleutherus; but it is not authentic, as there was no monarchical ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the bishops of rome.htm

Eleutherus
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELEUTHERUS. e-lu'-ther-us (Eleutheros; APC
1Macc 11:7; 12:30): A river separating Syria and Phoenicia. ...
/e/eleutherus.htm - 6k

Phoenicians
... city and its port; and, the most extensive of all, the plain of Marathus, extending
from Arka to Aradus or even beyond, including the river Eleutherus (Nahr el ...
/p/phoenicians.htm - 38k

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)
... city and its port; and, the most extensive of all, the plain of Marathus, extending
from Arka to Aradus or even beyond, including the river Eleutherus (Nahr el ...
/p/phoenicia.htm - 40k

Orthosia
... Maccabees 15:37). According to Pliny (NH, v.17) it lay South of the river
Eleutherus, and North of the city of Tripolis. The Peutinger ...
/o/orthosia.htm - 6k

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)
... extremity in the gorge of the Leontes, the ancient Litany, and extends north-east,
parallel to the Mediterranean coast, as far as the river Eleutherus, at the ...
/l/lebanon.htm - 45k

Gebal (3 Occurrences)
... Gebal was the center of quite an extensive district, extending from the Eleutherus
on the North to the Tamyras on the South, a distance of 60 or 70 miles along ...
/g/gebal.htm - 11k

Elephantine

/e/elephantine.htm - 6k

Elevate (1 Occurrence)

/e/elevate.htm - 7k

Phenicia (1 Occurrence)
... palm", the land of palm-trees; a strip of land of an average breadth of about 20
miles along the shores of the Mediterranean, from the river Eleutherus in the ...
/p/phenicia.htm - 12k

Coelesyria
... Mt. Lebanon, and along with Phoenicia it contributed the whole of the Seleucid
dominions which lay South of the river Eleutherus. ...
/c/coelesyria.htm - 8k

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