Scythians
Summary
A race of savage nomads inhabiting regions north of the Black and Caspian seas, proverbial in antiquity for barbarity.
☩Identity
The Scythians were nomads north of the Black and Caspian seas and Caucasus Mountains. They neither plowed nor sowed, moved about in wagons carrying their dwellings, had filthy habits, and drank the blood of slain enemies. War was their chief business; they worshiped the naked sword and sacrificed every hundredth captive to this deity.
☩Historical Incursions
In 632 BC the Scythians broke through the Caucasus and swept down upon Media and Assyria, ravaging Syria and threatening Egypt until Psammitichus bought them off. They remained in Western Asia for 28 years. Some may have settled in Beth-shean, giving it the name Scythopolis.
☩New Testament Reference
Paul uses 'Scythian' to represent the rudest of barbarians, stating that in Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free—but Christ is all and in all. Even the most uncivilized can be transformed by the gospel.
Related Verses1 mention
Colossians· 1 verse
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Scythians," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Scythians," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Scythians," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Scythians," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 5.American Tract Society, "Scythians," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
- 6.American Tract Society, "Scythians," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).