Erech
“Length (Babylonian 'Uruk' from Sumerian 'Unug,' meaning 'seat')”
Summary
One of the cities forming the beginning of Nimrod's kingdom in the plain of Shinar, identified with the ancient Babylonian city of Uruk (modern Warka).
☩In Nimrod's Kingdom
Erech was the second of the cities mentioned as forming 'the beginning of Nimrod's kingdom' in the land of Shinar, along with Babel, Accad, and Calneh. From this base, Nimrod extended his dominion. The inhabitants of Erech (the Archevites) were among those later transplanted to Samaria by Asnapper.
☩Identification and Ruins
Erech is identified beyond doubt with Warka, on the left bank of the Euphrates, halfway between Babylon and the Persian Gulf. The Babylonian name was Uruk, derived from the Sumerian Unug, meaning 'seat' or 'residential city.' The ruins are among the most extensive in Mesopotamia, covering an irregular area over 3,000 yards from north to south. Two great deities were worshipped there—Ishtar and Nanaa—and the site apparently served as a royal necropolis, containing many elaborate burials.
Related Verses1 mention
Genesis· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Erech," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Erech," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Erech," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).