Elamites
“Inhabitant of Elam”
Summary
The inhabitants of Elam, an ancient region east of Babylonia, some of whom were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
☩Identity and Origin
The Elamites were the original inhabitants of Elam, a region due east of Babylonia and the lower Tigris, corresponding to modern Khuzistan. They were descendants of Shem, possibly drawing their name from Shem's son Elam. Their chief cities were Shushan (Susa) and Ansan. The earliest native rulers called themselves 'viceroys' in acknowledgment of dependence on Babylonia. The native Elamites were gradually encroached upon by invading Semites from the west who brought their own writing system, which the Elamite princes adopted.
☩At Pentecost
Elamites are mentioned among the Jewish sojourners in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Jews had settled in Elam during and after the exile, and their descendants maintained the practice of coming to Jerusalem for annual religious festivals. These were likely Jews by religion who had adopted Elamite language and culture, among those who marveled to hear the disciples speaking in their own tongues the wonderful works of God.
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Elamites," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Elamites," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Elamites," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).