Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SCYTHIANS

A collection of nomadic tribes associated with the area of the Ukraine and renowned in antiquity for their cruelty and barbarism. First identified in Assyrian annals of the 7th century b.c.e., Scythians (Akk. Ašguzai) descended from the north and, according to Herodotus (Hist. 1), dominated the Near East for 28 years until eventually driven back across the Caucasus by the Medes. They participated in the Persian defeat of Babylon in 538 (Jer. 51:27). Associated with Ashkenaz, the grandson of Japheth (Gen. 10:3; 1 Chr. 1:6), their chief biblical significance lies in their reputation for savagery.

Some biblical scholars reject the traditional association of the Babylonians with Jeremiah’s enemies “from the north” (Jer. 1:14; 4:29; 5:15-17; 6:22-26; 50:41-42) and see in the Scythians a more consistent picture of the mounted archers described. It may be that this or subsequent raids on Palestine and possible Scythian settlement account for Beth-shan being renamed Scythopolis. Modern interest in the Scythians has been fueled by Herodotus’ mention of their ceremonial and recreational use of hemp. While historical reference to the Scythians dies out in the early centuries c.e., some scholars see surviving elements of their culture in the Ossetian people of Caucasian Russia and the Georgian Republic.

In Col. 3:11 the Scythians are mentioned as an extreme example of barbarian peoples and an indication of the potential for renewal and the unifying power of the gospel of Christ.

Jesse Curtis Pope

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SCYTHIANS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)