Peoples of the OT –– Arameans Dr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible College .

Peoples of the OT –– Arameans

Dr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible CollegeDr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible Collegewww.biblestudydownloads.comwww.biblestudydownloads.com

Dr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible CollegeDr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible Collegewww.biblestudydownloads.comwww.biblestudydownloads.com

IntroductionIntroduction 121121

Who were the Who were the Arameans?Arameans?

What were their What were their contributions?contributions?

What can we learn from What can we learn from them?them?

Identity – Who were they?Identity – Who were they? 1211211717

Amulet with Akedah Amulet with Akedah and Daniel in the Lionand Daniel in the Lion''s s Den: Akedah (Sacrifice Den: Akedah (Sacrifice of Isaac, Genesis 22) of Isaac, Genesis 22)

GenealogyGenealogy

(Gen. 22:20-24; (Gen. 22:20-24; Deut. 26:5)Deut. 26:5)

1211211717

Descended from Aram (grandson of Nahor). Descended from Aram (grandson of Nahor). Nahor and Abraham were brothers. Both Nahor and Abraham were brothers. Both descended from Shem, the son of Noah.descended from Shem, the son of Noah.

NOAHNOAH

JaphethJapheth HamHam ShemShem

TerahTerah

HaranHaran NahorNahor AbrahamAbraham

AramAram

ArameansArameans

JacobJacob

IsraelitesIsraelites

Laban and his brother, Laban and his brother, Bethuel, were Arameans Bethuel, were Arameans (Gen. 25:20)(Gen. 25:20)

Abraham was a wandering Abraham was a wandering Aramean (Deut. 26:5). Aramean (Deut. 26:5).

Geography

Where did the Arameans Live?Where did the Arameans Live?

Northern Syria and Upper Mesopotamia (1100 - 800 Northern Syria and Upper Mesopotamia (1100 - 800 BCBC))

Central and Southern Syria (1000 – 800 Central and Southern Syria (1000 – 800 BCBC))

Southern Mesopotamia (approx. 1000 Southern Mesopotamia (approx. 1000 BCBC))

122122

Arameans Arameans & Israel& Israel

124124

Northern Syria & Northern Syria & Upper Upper

Mesopotamia Mesopotamia Crossed by Crossed by

Assyrian Assyrian ConquerorsConquerors

"I have crossed the Euphrates 28 times, twice in one "I have crossed the Euphrates 28 times, twice in one year…" Tiglath-Pileser (1114-1076 year…" Tiglath-Pileser (1114-1076 BCBC))

Tiglath-Pileser I and Ashur-Bel-Kala (1073-1056 Tiglath-Pileser I and Ashur-Bel-Kala (1073-1056 BCBC)) Ashur-Dan II (934-912 Ashur-Dan II (934-912 BCBC)) Shalmaneser III (858-824 Shalmaneser III (858-824 BCBC)) "INSCRIPTION""INSCRIPTION"

No Evidence of Developed Political CentralizationNo Evidence of Developed Political Centralization

Central & Southern Syria During Central & Southern Syria During King DavidKing David''s Reign (ca. 1000 BC)s Reign (ca. 1000 BC)

Zobar (an Aramean state), a Zobar (an Aramean state), a dominant political power in dominant political power in Southern Syria led by King Southern Syria led by King Hadadezer engaged Israel Hadadezer engaged Israel in battle three times.in battle three times.

The Aramean king The Aramean king Hadadezer joined the Hadadezer joined the Ammonites to attack Israel. Ammonites to attack Israel. "…The sons of Ammon "…The sons of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob and the of Beth-rehob and the Syrians of Zobar…" (2 Syrians of Zobar…" (2 Sam.10:6).Sam.10:6).

King Hadadezer gathered King Hadadezer gathered new troops from Zobar and new troops from Zobar and fought Israel again: fought Israel again: "…"…Hadadezer sent and Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians…" brought out the Syrians…" (2 Sam. 10:16).(2 Sam. 10:16).

CivilizationCivilization

There was not a single There was not a single "Aramean culture" as "Aramean culture" as the various states had the various states had their own distinctives.their own distinctives.

They were not linked into a single political unit, They were not linked into a single political unit, hence, they made few contributions to political hence, they made few contributions to political structure or practice in the ANE.structure or practice in the ANE.

Aramean art and architecture were also not Aramean art and architecture were also not influential.influential.

But their single most important influence was in But their single most important influence was in spreading the Aramaic language. spreading the Aramaic language.

Aramaic LanguageAramaic Language

Parts of the books of Parts of the books of Daniel and Ezra Daniel and Ezra were written in Aramaic (e.g., Dan. 2–7).were written in Aramaic (e.g., Dan. 2–7).

The West Semitic dialect known as The West Semitic dialect known as Aramaic became:Aramaic became:

The The official inter-provincial languageofficial inter-provincial language of the Persian Government.of the Persian Government.

The language of The language of JesusJesus and the people and the people in the Ancient Near East.in the Ancient Near East.

The The modernmodern day liturgical language of day liturgical language of several several Eastern churchesEastern churches today. today.

Impact of AramaicImpact of Aramaic

Aramaic Aramaic replaced many local languagesreplaced many local languages in ANE, including Hebrewin ANE, including Hebrew

Arameans were the Arameans were the first to writefirst to write alphabetic letters for alphabetic letters for long vowel soundslong vowel sounds

Aramaic dialects are Aramaic dialects are still spokenstill spoken in a in a few isolated towns of Syria todayfew isolated towns of Syria today

Aramaic Alphabet (Alep-beet)Aramaic Alphabet (Alep-beet)

A A consonantconsonant alphabet with no vowel indication alphabet with no vowel indication

Written from Written from right to leftright to left in horizontal lines in horizontal lines

The LordThe Lord''s Prayer in Aramaics Prayer in AramaicThe LordThe Lord''s Prayer in Aramaics Prayer in Aramaic

Aramaic was the Aramaic was the language of the Semitic language of the Semitic culture, the language of culture, the language of the Hebrew Patriarchs, the Hebrew Patriarchs, and in the older days, and in the older days, the the lingua francalingua franca of the of the Fertile Crescent. Fertile Crescent.

Aramaic was the Aramaic was the language of the Semitic language of the Semitic culture, the language of culture, the language of the Hebrew Patriarchs, the Hebrew Patriarchs, and in the older days, and in the older days, the the lingua francalingua franca of the of the Fertile Crescent. Fertile Crescent.

Origin of Term "Hebrew"Origin of Term "Hebrew"Origin of Term "Hebrew"Origin of Term "Hebrew"

This name was given to the Hebrew people This name was given to the Hebrew people simply because Abraham and the people simply because Abraham and the people who were with him who were with him …crossed the river Euphrates and went into Canaan.

The term "Hebrew" comes The term "Hebrew" comes from the Aramaic word from the Aramaic word AbarAbar or or HabarHabar, which , which means "to cross over."means "to cross over."

Origin of Term "Hebrew"Origin of Term "Hebrew"Origin of Term "Hebrew"Origin of Term "Hebrew"

16

Peoples of the OT - ArameansPeoples of the OT - Arameans

Fact Finder #1:Fact Finder #1:

How could the people of How could the people of Nineveh have understood Nineveh have understood

the prophet Jonah, had the prophet Jonah, had the biblical Hebrew the biblical Hebrew

tongue been different tongue been different from Aramaic? from Aramaic?

17


Male Aramaic NamesMale Aramaic NamesAbbot | | Abbott | | Antoun | | Barclay | | Bardo | | Bardol | |

Barley | |

Barnabas | | Barnahy | | Bart | | Barta | | Bartalan | | Bartel ||

Barthelemy | | Bartholomaus | | Bartholomew | | Bartlet | | Bartley

||Bartol | | Bat | | Batt | | Beartlaidh | | Berkley | | Berti | | Cephas | |

Ezeklel | | Jagur | | Jesus | | Mar | | Mathias | | Matthias | | Myron | |

Parlan | | Parthalan | | Raz | | Razi | | Raziel | | Saul | | Shai | | Tadeo | |

Tamas | | Tamlane | | Teoma | | Thaddeus | | Thady | | Thom | |

Thomas | | Thompsen | | Thompson | | Tom | | Tomas | | Tomasso | |

Tomm | | Tommie | | Tommy | | Zachaeus | | Zechariah | | Zeke | |

18


Female Aramaic NamesFemale Aramaic NamesAlisa | | Aliza | | Anina | | Bethani | | Bethanie | |

Bethanney | |

Bethany | | Betheny | | Liri | | Magdalena | | Marit | | Marite | | Marta

| | Martha | | Marthe | | Marti | | Martie | | Martika | | Marty | | Martyne

| | Matti | | Mattie | | Mekeda | | Morta | | Omnomonpea | | Pat | | Patty

| | Rebecca | | Sam | | Samanntha | | Samantha | | Samanthia | | Sami | |

Sammantha | | Semantha | | Simantha | | Symantha | | Tabatha | |

Tabathia | Tabbie | Tabby | Tabitha | Tabithe | Tabathia | Tabbie | Tabby | Tabitha | Tabithe | Tabytha |Tabytha |

Taletha | Talitha | Xaverie | Zurama |Taletha | Talitha | Xaverie | Zurama |

19


Aramaic Was EvidentAramaic Was EvidentThroughout Bible HistoryThroughout Bible History Jacob spoke Hebrew, while Laban Jacob spoke Hebrew, while Laban

spoke Aramaicspoke Aramaic""So Jacob took a stone, and set it up So Jacob took a stone, and set it up as a pillar. And Jacob said to his as a pillar. And Jacob said to his kinsmen, "Gather stones," and they kinsmen, "Gather stones," and they took stones, and made a heap; and took stones, and made a heap; and they ate there by the heap. Laban they ate there by the heap. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha: but Jacob called it Jegar-sahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed" (Genesis 31:45-47).called it Galeed" (Genesis 31:45-47).

20


The Assyrian forces that attacked King The Assyrian forces that attacked King Hezekiah of Judah spoke Aramaic: Hezekiah of Judah spoke Aramaic:

"Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, "Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and and Shebnah, and Joah, said to the Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, "Pray, speak to your Rabshakeh, "Pray, speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it; do not speak to us in we understand it; do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the hearing of the people who are on the wall" wall"

(2 Kings 18:26)(2 Kings 18:26)

21


Those who opposed the rebuilding of Those who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Persians had allowed the Jerusalem after the Persians had allowed the people of Judah to return from the Babylonian people of Judah to return from the Babylonian captivity spoke Aramaic: captivity spoke Aramaic:

"Then the people of the land "Then the people of the land discouraged the people discouraged the people of Judah, and made of Judah, and made them afraid to build, and hired them afraid to build, and hired counselors counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, against them to frustrate their purpose, all all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the

reign of Darius king of Persia. And in the reign of Darius king of Persia. And in the reign of reign of Ahasuerus …they wrote an Ahasuerus …they wrote an accusation against the accusation against the inhabitants of Judah inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. And in the days and Jerusalem. And in the days of of Artaxerxes, Bishlam and Mithredath and Artaxerxes, Bishlam and Mithredath and Tabeel Tabeel …wrote to Artaxerxes king of …wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; the letter was Persia; the letter was written in Aramaic written in Aramaic and translated." (Ezra 4:4-7).and translated." (Ezra 4:4-7).

22


The astrologers who served King The astrologers who served King Nebuchadnezzar spoke to the king in Aramaic. Nebuchadnezzar spoke to the king in Aramaic. They were unable to reveal the meaning of the They were unable to reveal the meaning of the kingking''s dream but God revealed the meaning to s dream but God revealed the meaning to Daniel: Daniel:

"Then the astrologers answered the king "Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, in Aramaic, "O king, live forever! Tell your "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, servants the dream, and we will interpret and we will interpret it." (Daniel 2:4).it." (Daniel 2:4).

23


The Writing On the Wall to Belshazzar was in The Writing On the Wall to Belshazzar was in Aramaic: Aramaic:

"Then from his presence the hand was "Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this sent, and this writing was inscribed. And writing was inscribed. And this is the writing that this is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN." (Daniel PARSIN." (Daniel 5:24-25).5:24-25).

24


Well-known Bible Places have names in Well-known Bible Places have names in Aramaic: Aramaic: 1) 1) "Some time later, Jesus "Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called

Bethesda and which is surrounded by Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered five covered colonnades." (John 5:1-2) .colonnades." (John 5:1-2) .

2) "When Pilate heard this, he brought 2) "When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and Jesus out and sat down on the judgesat down on the judge''s s seat at a place known as the seat at a place known as the Stone Stone Pavement, which in Aramaic is Gabbatha. It Pavement, which in Aramaic is Gabbatha. It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about about the sixth hour. "Here is your the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the king," Pilate said to the Jews. But they Jews. But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! away! Crucify Him!" (John 19:13-15).Crucify Him!" (John 19:13-15).

25


3) 3) "Finally Pilate handed Him over to them to "Finally Pilate handed Him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying His own cross , He went out to Jesus. Carrying His own cross , He went out to the place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is the place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. Here they crucified Him, and called Golgotha. Here they crucified Him, and with him two others - one on each side and with him two others - one on each side and Jesus in the middle." (John 19:16-18).Jesus in the middle." (John 19:16-18).

26

Jesus Christ Spoke in Aramaic

1) "He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas which means Peter" (John 1:42) [Note: Cephas is an Aramaic name, Peter is a Greek name]

2) "And He said, "Abba [the Aramaic word for Father], Father, all things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14:36 ).

Jesus Christ Spoke in Aramaic

Aramaic amulet

3) "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried [in Aramaic] with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabach-thani?" which means, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34).

4) "Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" which means Teacher" (John 20:16).

28


Fact Finder #2:Fact Finder #2:The sign that was nailed to The sign that was nailed to

the cross above Jesus the cross above Jesus Christ was written in how Christ was written in how

many languages. What did many languages. What did the sign say?the sign say?John 19:19-20John 19:19-20

29


John 19:19-20: 19:19-20:V.19 "Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the V.19 "Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the

cross. And the writing was:cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

V.20. "Then many of the Jews read this tile, for the V.20. "Then many of the Jews read this tile, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in:city; and it was written in:

HEBREW (ARAMAIC), GREEK AND LATIN".HEBREW (ARAMAIC), GREEK AND LATIN".

30


ConclusionConclusion The Arameans were not politically, culturally as The Arameans were not politically, culturally as

well as militarily as strong as some of the other well as militarily as strong as some of the other OT peoples in the Ancient Near EastOT peoples in the Ancient Near East

The Arameans most lasting impact was the The Arameans most lasting impact was the language that, via cultural diffusion, they language that, via cultural diffusion, they imprinted on the ancient middle eastern imprinted on the ancient middle eastern societies. The Arameans inhabited the Fertile societies. The Arameans inhabited the Fertile Crescent in the 14th century, but did not begin Crescent in the 14th century, but did not begin seriously influencing the region until three seriously influencing the region until three centuries later, when they began to spread into centuries later, when they began to spread into southern Anatolia and northern Arabia, which southern Anatolia and northern Arabia, which were Assyrian territories. were Assyrian territories.

31


The Arameans were a military force until about The Arameans were a military force until about the 9th century, when they fell to the attacking the 9th century, when they fell to the attacking Assyrians. Although the Aramean nation fell, its Assyrians. Although the Aramean nation fell, its language did not; Aramaic, which is very similar language did not; Aramaic, which is very similar to Hebrew, was adopted not only by Babylonian to Hebrew, was adopted not only by Babylonian Jews as the "Jewish tongue," but also by the Jews as the "Jewish tongue," but also by the well-informed as the language of choice. It was well-informed as the language of choice. It was not until Greek emerged several centuries later not until Greek emerged several centuries later that Aramaic lost its prestige as the most that Aramaic lost its prestige as the most sophisticated language. Jewish practices are sophisticated language. Jewish practices are still performed in Aramaic, including the still performed in Aramaic, including the Ketubah (wedding contract), the Get (divorce Ketubah (wedding contract), the Get (divorce contract), and the Kaddish (mournercontract), and the Kaddish (mourner''s prayer). s prayer). Interestingly, much of the Kabbalah (Jewish Interestingly, much of the Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) was written in Aramaic. Also, the mysticism) was written in Aramaic. Also, the Talmud was written in a combination of Aramaic Talmud was written in a combination of Aramaic and Hebrew.and Hebrew.

32


The success of the Aramaic language should The success of the Aramaic language should not be attributed as merely a "stronger" not be attributed as merely a "stronger" language than others in the ANE. Perhaps the language than others in the ANE. Perhaps the fact that Aram is a descendent of Shem, Noahfact that Aram is a descendent of Shem, Noah''s s son, would mean that God had preserved the son, would mean that God had preserved the language so that Noahlanguage so that Noah''s descendents would be s descendents would be able to know about the Noahic Covenant able to know about the Noahic Covenant (flood). This would ensure that, generations (flood). This would ensure that, generations later, Noahlater, Noah''s encounter with God would not be s encounter with God would not be diluted.diluted.

33


34


SupplementsSupplements

35


Central and Southern SyriaCentral and Southern Syria But King David marched his army But King David marched his army

northward and defeated King Hadadezer at northward and defeated King Hadadezer at Helem. Helem.

"…David gathered all Israel together and "…David gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam...". crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam...". (2Sam 10:17).(2Sam 10:17).

Another confrontation between King David Another confrontation between King David and King Hadadezer at Hamath. and King Hadadezer at Hamath.

"David also defeated Hadadezer king of "David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobar as far as Hamath,…" 1 Chron 18:3Zobar as far as Hamath,…" 1 Chron 18:3

Damascus (key Aramean state) sent troops Damascus (key Aramean state) sent troops to fight the Israelites but was defeated by to fight the Israelites but was defeated by King David (DamascusKing David (Damascus'' first appearance in first appearance in the Hebrew Bible).the Hebrew Bible).

36


Central and Southern SyriaCentral and Southern Syria

Aram Damascus: Aram Damascus:

"… the Syrians of Damascus came to "… the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, king of Zobar…"(2 Sam. help Hadadezer, king of Zobar…"(2 Sam. 8:5).8:5).

In the Hebrew Bible, it is called In the Hebrew Bible, it is called ''AramAram'' Other translations called it Other translations called it ''SyriaSyria'' Aram Damascus is the part of the Aram Damascus is the part of the

Aramean world that had the greatest Aramean world that had the greatest effect on biblical Israeleffect on biblical Israel

It was also the most powerful state that It was also the most powerful state that bordered Israel. bordered Israel.

37


Central and Southern SyriaCentral and Southern Syria During King SolomonDuring King Solomon''s reign: s reign:

Rezon (King HadadezerRezon (King Hadadezer''s former officer) s former officer) seized Damascus and it became an seized Damascus and it became an independent state.independent state.

"…God also raised up another adversary to "…God also raised up another adversary to him, Rezon…..he gathered men to himself him, Rezon…..he gathered men to himself and became leader of a marauding band…" and became leader of a marauding band…" (1 Kings 11:23,24).(1 Kings 11:23,24).

After King Solomon died, the rulers of After King Solomon died, the rulers of Damascus seized the advantage and Damascus seized the advantage and established Aram Damascus as a significant established Aram Damascus as a significant presence.presence.

"So Ben-haded…sent the commanders of "So Ben-haded…sent the commanders of his armies against Israel, and his armies against Israel, and conquered…"(1 Kings15:20).conquered…"(1 Kings15:20).

38



Aramean King Ben-Hadad attacked the Aramean King Ben-Hadad attacked the Northern kingdom of Israel and captured a Northern kingdom of Israel and captured a number of important towns number of important towns

" Now there was war between " Now there was war between Asa and Baasha Asa and Baasha King of Israel…Ben-King of Israel…Ben-Hadad heeded King Asa, Hadad heeded King Asa, and sent the and sent the captains of his armies against the captains of his armies against the cities cities of Israel. He attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel of Israel. He attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Beth Maachah, and all of Chinneroth, with all Maachah, and all of Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali" (1 Kings 15:16-22).the land of Naphtali" (1 Kings 15:16-22).

39



A series of conflicts between Israel and A series of conflicts between Israel and Aram Aram

"Now Ben-Hadad, king of Syria "Now Ben-Hadad, king of Syria gathered all gathered all his forces together; thirty-two his forces together; thirty-two kings were with kings were with him, with horses and him, with horses and chariots. And he went up chariots. And he went up and besieged and besieged Samaria…" (1 Ki 20: 1 & 22).Samaria…" (1 Ki 20: 1 & 22).

"So the king of Israel (Ahab) "So the king of Israel (Ahab) and Jehoshapat and Jehoshapat the king of Judah went up the king of Judah went up against Ramoth against Ramoth Gilead" (1 Ki 22: 29).Gilead" (1 Ki 22: 29).

40



Aramean King Hazael oppressed Israel all Aramean King Hazael oppressed Israel all the days of King Jehoahaz the days of King Jehoahaz

"And Hazael, king of Syria "And Hazael, king of Syria oppressed Israel oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz" all the days of Jehoahaz" (2 Kings 13:22).(2 Kings 13:22).

41



HazaelHazael''s policy was to expand into Palestine s policy was to expand into Palestine

"In those days the LORD began to cut off "In those days the LORD began to cut off parts of Israel; and Hazael conquered parts of Israel; and Hazael conquered them is all the territory of Israel from the them is all the territory of Israel from the Jordan eastward: all the land of Gilead – Jordan eastward: all the land of Gilead – Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh – from Aroer, Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh – from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, including which is by the river Arnon, including Gilead and Bashan" (2 Kings 10:32,33). Gilead and Bashan" (2 Kings 10:32,33).

……Aram became a significant empire that Aram became a significant empire that covered much if not all of Syria and Palestinecovered much if not all of Syria and Palestine

42


Date post:	17-Dec-2015
Category:	Documents
Upload:	monica-richardson
View:	224 times
Download:	3 times

Peoples of the OT –– Arameans Dr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible College .

Documents