Elam; Elamites
LocationsGeographical Setting
Elam was an ancient civilization and political entity located in what is now southwestern Iran, situated east of Mesopotamia.
What is the meaning of Elam; Elamites in the Bible?
Elam was an ancient civilization and political entity located in southwestern Iran, distinct from the biblical valley associated with David and Goliath. The Elamite people established a significant presence in the ancient Near East from the third millennium BCE until their eventual assimilation into the Persian Empire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Elam provides crucial context for biblical narratives, particularly regarding the geopolitical tensions between Judah and its eastern neighbors. The historical record of Elamite support for Babylon against Judah illuminates the complex alliances referenced in prophetic books and sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the Babylonian exile.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Elam; Elamites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Elam; Elamites clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.