Introduction:
Hiddekel is one of the four rivers mentioned in the Book of Genesis as flowing out of the Garden of Eden. It is traditionally identified with the Tigris River, one of the major rivers in the Middle East. The name "Hiddekel" is of ancient origin, and its mention in the Bible provides insight into the geographical and historical context of the early biblical narrative.

Biblical References:
The primary biblical reference to Hiddekel is found in Genesis 2:14, which states: "The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it runs along the east side of Assyria." . This verse situates Hiddekel geographically, indicating its proximity to the region known as Assyria, which was a significant ancient civilization.

Another mention of Hiddekel is found in the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 10:4, the prophet Daniel describes a vision he received while standing by the great river, which he identifies as Hiddekel: "On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris," . This reference further supports the identification of Hiddekel with the Tigris River.

Geographical Context:
The Hiddekel, or Tigris, is one of the two major rivers that define Mesopotamia, the other being the Euphrates. The Tigris River flows from the mountains of southeastern Turkey through Iraq, eventually joining the Euphrates and emptying into the Persian Gulf. This region, often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization," is historically significant for its early development of human culture and society.

Historical Significance:
The mention of Hiddekel in the context of the Garden of Eden narrative places it at the heart of the biblical creation account. The river's association with Eden suggests a location of abundance and divine provision. In the ancient world, rivers were vital for sustaining life, providing water for agriculture, and serving as transportation routes.

In the Book of Daniel, the reference to Hiddekel underscores the historical and prophetic significance of the region. Daniel's vision by the river reflects the importance of the Tigris in the context of the Babylonian and Persian empires, which played crucial roles in the history of Israel and the Jewish people.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Hiddekel in Genesis highlights the interconnectedness of creation and the divine order established by God. The river, as part of the Eden narrative, symbolizes the life-giving and sustaining power of God's creation. It also serves as a reminder of the original harmony and abundance intended for humanity.

In Daniel, the setting by the Hiddekel emphasizes the continuity of God's revelation and guidance throughout history. The river serves as a backdrop for divine communication, illustrating the ongoing relationship between God and His people, even in times of exile and uncertainty.

Conclusion:
The Hiddekel, identified with the Tigris River, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative. Its mention in Genesis and Daniel provides valuable insights into the geographical, historical, and theological dimensions of the Bible. As a symbol of life and divine provision, Hiddekel continues to be a point of interest for biblical scholars and believers alike.Hiddekel

sharp voice; sound

Hiddekel

(rapid), one of the rivers of Eden, the river which "goeth eastward to Assyria," (Genesis 2:14) and which Daniel calls "the great river," (Daniel 10:4) seems to have been rightly identified by the LXX. with the Tigris. Dekel is clearly an equivalent of Digla or Dighath, a name borne by the Tigris in all ages. The name now in use among the inhabitants of Mesopotamia is Dijleh .

Hiddekel

One of the rivers of Paradise. Its modern name is Tigris. See EDEN, and EUPHRATES.

Called by the Accadians id Idikla; i.e., "the river of Idikla", the third of the four rivers of Paradise (Genesis 2:14). Gesenius interprets the word as meaning "the rapid Tigris." The Tigris rises in the mountains of Armenia, 15 miles south of the source of the Euphrates, which, after pursuing a south-east course, it joins at Kurnah, about 50 miles above Bassorah. Its whole length is about 1,150 miles. HIDDEKEL

hid'-e-kel (chiddeqel): One of the rivers of EDEN (which see) (Genesis 2:14, the Revised Version margin "that is, Tigris"; so Septuagint Tigris), said to flow East to Assyria, usually identified with the Tigris, which rises in Armenia near Lake Van and, after flowing Southeast through 8 degrees of latitude, joins the Euphrates in Babylonia to form the Shatt el-'Arab, which runs for 100 miles through a delta which has been formed since the time of Abraham, and now enters the Persian Gulf through 2 branches. About one-third of the distance below its source, and soon after it emerges from the mountains of Kurdistan, the Tigris passes by Mosul, the site of ancient Nineveh, and, lower down at Bagdad, approaches within a few miles of the Euphrates. Here and for many miles below, since the level is lower than that of the Euphrates, numerous canals are conducted to it, irrigating the most fertile portions of Babylonia.

George Frederick Wright

2313. Chiddeqel -- Hiddekel, ancient name of a Mesopotamian river
... Hiddekel, ancient name of a Mesopotamian river. Transliteration: Chiddeqel Phonetic
Spelling: (khid-deh'-kel) Short Definition: Tigris. ... Hiddekel. ...
/hebrew/2313.htm - 6k

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... prostration of spirit which made the beloved John fall at the feet of his Lord in
the Isle of Patmos, and made Daniel feel, on banks of Hiddekel that there was ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple
... Daniel tells us that when he saw the great vision by the river Hiddekel, there remained
no strength in him, for his comeliness was turned in on him into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the glorious master and the.htm

Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... of redemption shall eclipse the Sabbath of nature, even as the new heavens and the
new earth shall outshine the former: a river purer than Hiddekel shall water ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/victor emmanuel emancipator.htm

Chapter ii
... 14. The name of the third river is Hiddekel. This is the one that goes eastward
of Ashshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ii.htm

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... This is, that of the four rivers which are said to run out of it, Euphrates and
Hiddekel are identical with the rivers now known by the names of Euphrates and ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... uncommonly held, the sway of Alexander. A like reference is traced in the mention
of Hiddekel, or the Tigris, in ch. x; for, if the scene ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

Hiddekel (2 Occurrences)
... Its whole length is about 1,150 miles. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HIDDEKEL. ...
George Frederick Wright. Multi-Version Concordance Hiddekel (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hiddekel.htm - 8k

Tigris (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tigris (2 Occurrences). Genesis 2:14 And the name of the
third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth in front of Assyria. ...
/t/tigris.htm - 9k

Four-and-twentieth (1 Occurrence)
... Daniel 10:4 And on the four-and-twentieth day of the first month, I was
by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel: (DBY). ...
/f/four-and-twentieth.htm - 6k

Flows (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Genesis 2:14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel: this is the
one which flows in front of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. ...
/f/flows.htm - 10k

Floweth (16 Occurrences)
... Floweth (16 Occurrences). Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel:
which floweth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. ...
/f/floweth.htm - 11k

Runs (28 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Genesis 2:14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel: this is the one
which flows in front of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. (See NIV). ...
/r/runs.htm - 13k

Phrat (17 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Phrat (17 Occurrences). Genesis 2:14 The name of the third
river is Hiddekel: this is the one which flows in front of Assyria. ...
/p/phrat.htm - 11k

Hid'dai (1 Occurrence)
Hid'dai. Hiddai, Hid'dai. Hiddekel . ... 2 Samuel 23:30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai
of Nahale-gaash; (See RSV). Hiddai, Hid'dai. Hiddekel . Reference Bible
/h/hid'dai.htm - 6k

Twentieth (34 Occurrences)
... Daniel 10:4 In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side
of the great river, which is Hiddekel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/t/twentieth.htm - 18k

Asshur (133 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Asshur (133 Occurrences). Genesis 2:14 And the name of
the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which flows forward toward Asshur. ...
/a/asshur.htm - 46k

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