### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Karkᵉmîysh**, represented by `{{H3751}}`, is the name for **Carchemish**, a place in Syria. This name, which is of foreign derivation, appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. It consistently refers to a strategically important city located on the Euphrates river, which became the site of a pivotal battle between major world powers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3751}}` is central to a significant geopolitical shift. The prophet Isaiah lists **Carchemish** among other notable cities like Calno, Hamath, and Arpad as a testament to imperial conquest [[Isaiah 10:9]]. The city is the destination for Necho{H5224} king{H4428} of Egypt{H4714}, who came up to fight{H3898} against **Carchemish**{H3751}, a campaign that led to King Josiah’s fatal intervention [[2 Chronicles 35:20]]. Later, this same location by the river{H5104} Euphrates{H6578} became the scene of a decisive battle where the army{H2428} of Pharaohnecho{H6549} was smote{H5221} by Nebuchadrezzar{H5019} king{H4428} of Babylon{H894} [[Jeremiah 46:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographical and political context for the events at Carchemish:
* `{{H6578}}` **Pᵉrâth** (rushing; Perath (i.e. Euphrates), a river of the East; Euphrates): This river is explicitly mentioned as the location of **Carchemish**, highlighting its strategic importance in the battles involving Egypt and Babylon [[Jeremiah 46:2]].
* `{{H6549}}` **Pharʻôh Nᵉkôh** (Paroh-Nekoh (or -Neko), an Egyptian king; Pharaoh-necho, Pharaohnechoh): This Egyptian king{H4428} is a key figure whose army{H2428} was defeated at Carchemish, marking a turning point in the region's power dynamics [[Jeremiah 46:2]].
* `{{H5019}}` **Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar** (Nebukadnetstsar (or -retstsar, or -retstsor), king of Babylon; Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar): The king{H4428} of Babylon{H894} who smote{H5221} the Egyptian forces at Carchemish, establishing Babylonian dominance [[Jeremiah 46:2]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3751}}` is primarily historical and geopolitical, marking a critical juncture in the history of Judah and surrounding nations.
* **Site of a Decisive Battle:** The confrontation at Carchemish between Babylon and Egypt was a world-changing event. The defeat of Pharaohnecho's{H6549} army{H2428} by Nebuchadrezzar{H5019} is recorded as a major victory for Babylon [[Jeremiah 46:2]].
* **A Catalyst for Judah's Fate:** King Josiah{H2977} of Judah's{H3063} decision to go out{H3318} against{H7125} the king{H4428} of Egypt{H4714} on his way to Carchemish resulted in Josiah's death [[2 Chronicles 35:20]]. This event destabilized Judah and preceded its eventual fall.
* **Symbol of Imperial Power:** In Isaiah's prophecy, the rhetorical question "Is not Calno{H3641} as Carchemish{H3751}?" serves to illustrate the might of an invading empire that has conquered one major city after another, using Carchemish as a benchmark for its military prowess [[Isaiah 10:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3751}}` **Carchemish** is more than a geographical name; it is a landmark of immense historical conflict. It represents a strategic location on the Euphrates river where the fate of empires was decided. The biblical accounts frame Carchemish as the stage for a pivotal battle that confirmed the rise of Babylon and played a direct role in the tragic final years of the kingdom of Judah.
TRV