Topical Encyclopedia
Charax is a term that appears in historical and geographical contexts rather than directly within the biblical text. It is often associated with ancient cities and fortifications in the Near East, particularly in regions that intersect with biblical history. The name "Charax" itself is derived from the Greek word for "palisade" or "fortification," indicating its strategic importance in ancient times.
Historical ContextCharax was a name given to several fortified locations in the ancient world. One of the most notable was Charax Spasinu, located at the head of the Persian Gulf. This city was founded by Alexander the Great and later became a significant commercial hub under the Seleucid and Parthian empires. It served as a critical point for trade routes connecting the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.
Geographical SignificanceThe geographical significance of Charax in biblical times lies in its strategic location. Situated near the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Charax Spasinu was ideally positioned to control trade and military movements. This made it a valuable asset for empires seeking to dominate the region. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, its proximity to Mesopotamia places it within the broader narrative of biblical history, where empires such as Babylon and Persia played pivotal roles.
Biblical ConnectionsWhile Charax itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its historical and geographical context provides insight into the world of the biblical patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. The city’s location near Mesopotamia, a region frequently referenced in the Bible, suggests that it may have been part of the backdrop for events and narratives found in Scripture. For instance, the influence of Mesopotamian culture and politics is evident in the accounts of figures like Abraham, who hailed from Ur of the Chaldeans (
Genesis 11:31), and the exilic experiences of the Israelites in Babylon.
Cultural and Economic ImpactCharax's role as a commercial center contributed to the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient Near East. The city facilitated the movement of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals, which were highly valued in biblical times. This trade not only enriched the city but also allowed for the exchange of cultural and religious ideas, potentially influencing the regions mentioned in the Bible.
Archaeological InsightsArchaeological findings in the region of Charax have provided valuable insights into the life and times of the ancient Near East. Excavations have uncovered remnants of fortifications, trade goods, and inscriptions that shed light on the city's significance. These discoveries help historians and biblical scholars understand the broader historical context in which biblical events occurred.
ConclusionCharax, while not directly mentioned in the Bible, serves as a significant historical and geographical reference point for understanding the ancient Near East. Its strategic location and role as a commercial hub highlight the interconnectedness of the ancient world, providing a backdrop for the biblical narrative and enriching our understanding of the historical context in which the Bible was written.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHARAX; CHARACAkar'-ax, kar'-a-ka; (eis ton Charaka; the King James Version Charax): A place mentioned only in 2 Maccabees 12:17. It lay East of the Jordan and is said to be 750 stadia from Caspis, and to be inhabited by Jews called Tubieni, that is, of Tobie (Tob) in Gilead (1 Maccabees 5:9, 13; 2 Maccabees 12:17). There is no clue as to the direction in which Ch. lay from Caspis. Possibly Kerak (Kir-moab), in post-Biblical times called Charamoba and Moboucharax, may represent the place. It lay about 100 miles South of el-Mezerib, Southeast of the Dead Sea.
Greek
5482.charax -- a pointed stake, a rampart... 5481, 5482.
charax. 5483 . a
... trench. see GREEK grapho. (charaka) -- 1
Occurrence. 5481, 5482.
charax. 5483 . Strong's Numbers.
5481. charakter -- a tool for engraving
... From the same ascharax; a graver (the tool or the person), ie (by implication)
engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, ie An exact copy or (figuratively...
5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress
... stamp, mark. From the same ascharax; a scratch or etching, ie Stamp (as a badge
of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue) -- graven, mark. see GREEKcharax....
5489. chartes -- a sheet of paper (made of papyrus strips)
... papyrus, a sheet of paper. From the same ascharax; a sheet ("chart") of
writing-material (as to be scribbled over) -- paper. see GREEKcharax....
Library
How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the...
... However, he sent Izates, with many presents, to Abennerig, the king ofCharax-Spasini,
and that out of the great dread he was in about him, lest he should come...
Letter cccxlviii. Basil to Libanius.
... restore. [3284]. Footnotes: [3281] With a play oncharax, the word used
for stakes. [3282] ie three hundred. [3283] Hom. iii. 346....
How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... Palestine and Celesyria. Ul founded Armenia; and Gather the Bactrians; and
Mesa the Mesaneans; it is now calledCharax Spasini. Sala was...
The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <....
Thesaurus
Charax... Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHARAX; CHARACA. kar'-ax, kar'-a-ka; (eis ton Charaka;
the King James Version
Charax): A place mentioned only in 2 Maccabees 12:17.
...Characa
...CHARAX; CHARACA. kar'-ax, kar'-a-ka; (eis ton Charaka; the King James VersionCharax):
A place mentioned only in 2 Maccabees 12:17.... kar'-a-ka. SeeCHARAX....
Tubieni
... pros tous legomenous Toubienous Ioudaious, "unto the Jews that are called Tubieni"):
Men of TOB (which see) who had occupied the town ofCharax (2 Maccabees 12...
Bank (28 Occurrences)
... (5) (charax, "a stake," "entrenchment"): "Thine enemies shall cast up a bank
about thee" (Luke 19:43 the King James Version "trench")....
Charchemish (1 Occurrence)
Charashim (1 Occurrence)
Habor (3 Occurrences)
... ha'-bor (chabhor; Habor, Habior; Isidor ofCharax, Aburas (Abouras), Zosias, Aboras):
1. Its Position and Course: Is described in 2 Kings 17:6; 2 Kings 18:11...
Siege (63 Occurrences)
... destruction of Jerusalem when He wept over its coming doom: "For the days shall
come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank (charax, the King James...
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