Elymais was an ancient region located in the southwestern part of modern-day Iran, corresponding to the biblical Elam. It is mentioned in the context of the Parthian Empire and is known for its rugged terrain and strategic location. The people of Elymais, known as Elymaeans, were renowned for their skills in archery and warfare. The region is often associated with the Elamites, who are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament.

Biblical References:

Elymais is not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, but its historical and geographical context is closely related to Elam. Elam is referenced multiple times in the Old Testament, often in relation to its interactions with Israel and other neighboring nations. For instance, in Genesis 14:1, Elam is mentioned as part of the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer: "In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim" .

The prophet Isaiah also speaks of Elam in the context of judgment and prophecy. In Isaiah 11:11, Elam is listed among the nations from which the Lord will gather His people: "On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea" .

Historical Context:

Elymais was a semi-independent state under the influence of the Parthian Empire, which ruled much of Iran and Mesopotamia from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. The region was known for its mountainous terrain, which provided natural fortifications against invaders. The Elymaeans were skilled warriors, particularly noted for their archery, which made them valuable allies and formidable foes.

The capital of Elymais was Susa, an ancient city with significant historical and biblical importance. Susa is mentioned in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Esther as a place where significant events occurred. In Daniel 8:2, the prophet Daniel has a vision while in Susa: "In the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal" .

Cultural and Religious Influence:

The Elymaeans practiced a polytheistic religion, with influences from both Mesopotamian and Persian traditions. They worshiped a pantheon of gods, and their religious practices included temple worship and offerings. The region's strategic location along trade routes facilitated cultural exchanges, which influenced their religious and cultural practices.

Elymais' proximity to the Persian heartland also meant that it was influenced by Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of the Persian Empire. However, the Elymaeans maintained distinct cultural and religious identities, which set them apart from their neighbors.

Significance in Biblical Prophecy:

The mention of Elam in biblical prophecy highlights its significance in the unfolding of God's plan for the nations. Jeremiah 49:34-39 contains a prophecy against Elam, foretelling its destruction and eventual restoration: "Yet in the last days, I will restore Elam, declares the LORD" . This prophecy underscores the theme of divine judgment and redemption that runs throughout the Scriptures.

In summary, while Elymais itself is not explicitly named in the Bible, its historical and geographical context as part of Elam provides valuable insights into the biblical narrative and the ancient world. The region's interactions with Israel and its role in biblical prophecy reflect the broader themes of judgment, redemption, and the sovereignty of God over the nations.ELYMAIS

el-i-ma'-is (Elumais):

This name, representing the Old Testament Elam (see ELAM), was given to a district of Persia lying South of Media and North of Susiana. In APC 1Macc 6:1 the common reading, which is adopted by the King James Version, refers to Elymais as a rich city in Persia. No other reference, however, to such a city is found except in Josephus (Ant., XII, ix, 1) who simply follows 1 Maccabees. The text should therefore be corrected to read as in the Revised Version (British and American), "in Elymais in Persia there was a city."

Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ...
... this time it was that king Antiochus, as he was going over the upper countries,
heard that there was a very rich city in Persia, called Elymais; and therein a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the death.htm

The Syrian Persecution.
... The tribute he had to pay to Rome quite ruined him; and while he was trying to rob
an idol temple at Elymais, the people rose on him and slew him, in the year ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... The Greek form of the name is Elymais, and some of the classical geographers were
well enough acquainted with the meaning of the word to be able to distinguish ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Elymais
...ELYMAIS. ... In APC 1Macc 6:1 the common reading, which is adopted by the King
James Version, refers to Elymais as a rich city in Persia. ...
/e/elymais.htm - 6k

Naomi (25 Occurrences)
... But 1 Maccabees 1;, which is more reliable, gives a different account of the death
of Epiphanes after an attempt to rob a rich temple in Elymais. ...
/n/naomi.htm - 17k

Nanaea
... But 1 Maccabees 1;, which is more reliable, gives a different account of the death
of Epiphanes after an attempt to rob a rich temple in Elymais. ...
/n/nanaea.htm - 8k

Epiphanes
... 167-164 BC After this war Antiochus retired to the eastern provinces and died, after
having failed in an attack on the temple of the Sun in Elymais, in Persia. ...
/e/epiphanes.htm - 8k

Elymaeans
Elymaeans. Elu'zai, Elymaeans. Elymais . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
el-i-me'-ans. See ELAMITES. Elu'zai, Elymaeans. Elymais . Reference Bible.
/e/elymaeans.htm - 6k

East (228 Occurrences)
... (1.) The orient (mizrah); the rising of the sun. Thus "the east country" is the
country lying to the east of Syria, the Elymais (Zechariah 8:7). ...
/e/east.htm - 51k

Elymas (2 Occurrences)

/e/elymas.htm - 7k

Elamites (2 Occurrences)
... The great capital of the tract, however, was Susa (Shushan), whence its Greek name
of Susiana, interchanging with Elymais, from the Semitic Elam. ...
/e/elamites.htm - 39k

Arsaces
... till the reign of Arsaces VI, whose pre-regnal name was Mithridates, that Parthia
through the conquest of Bactria, Media, Persia, Armenia, Elymais and Babylonia ...
/a/arsaces.htm - 8k

Elam (24 Occurrences)
... The great capital of the tract, however, was Susa (Shushan), whence its Greek name
of Susiana, interchanging with Elymais, from the Semitic Elam. ...
/e/elam.htm - 48k

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