Euphrates
“The name may derive from Sanskrit meaning 'good and abounding river'”
Summary
The longest and most important river of Western Asia, forming the promised northeastern boundary of Israel and playing a central role in biblical history and prophecy.
☩Geography
The Euphrates is the longest river of Western Asia at approximately 1,780 miles. It rises from two sources in the Armenian mountains—the Frat near Erzerum and the Murad near Mount Ararat—which unite near Keban Maaden. The river flows generally southwest through the Taurus ranges, then southeast through Syria and Mesopotamia to the Persian Gulf. Its greatest width of about 400 yards occurs in its middle course. The annual floods in May, caused by melting Armenian snows, made the river valley one of the most fertile regions of the ancient world.
☩Biblical Significance
The Euphrates was first mentioned as one of the four rivers of Eden. God promised Abraham that his descendants would possess the land from the river of Egypt to 'the great river, the river Euphrates.' It is often called simply 'the river' in Scripture, being the largest river known to Israel. David and Solomon extended Israel's influence to the Euphrates, fulfilling the ancient promise. On its banks stood Babylon, and at Carchemish the armies of Necho and Nebuchadnezzar clashed, determining the fate of empires.
☩Prophetic Symbolism
Jeremiah used the Euphrates symbolically when he hid his girdle by the river, then found it ruined—picturing how Judah's pride would be marred by Babylon. He also cast a book of prophecy against Babylon into the Euphrates, declaring 'Thus shall Babylon sink.' In Revelation, four angels are bound at the Euphrates to be released at the sixth trumpet, and its waters are dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.
Related Verses23 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Euphrates," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Euphrates," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Euphrates," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).