The Hebrew word ʼEllâçâr, represented by H495, refers to Ellasar, an early country of Asia. The term is noted as being probably of foreign derivation. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, placing it in a very specific historical context within the book of Genesis.
In the biblical narrative, H495 is introduced as the kingdom ruled by Arioch. Its sole appearances are in the account of the battle of the four kings against five. Ellasar is listed as part of the northern confederation led by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. The text identifies Arioch as the king of Ellasar alongside Amraphel king of Shinar and Tidal king of nations Genesis 14:1. The name is mentioned again when the four kings are listed as preparing for battle Genesis 14:9.
The primary term associated with Ellasar in the text is:
- H4428 melek (a king): This word for a monarch is used to identify Ellasar's ruler, Arioch. Both biblical mentions of Ellasar explicitly state that Arioch was the king of that land (Genesis 14:1, Genesis 14:9).
The significance of H495 is rooted in its role within the historical narrative of Genesis.
- Geopolitical Marker: Ellasar's inclusion in the alliance of kings helps establish the political landscape of the time, grounding the events of Genesis 14 in a specific setting involving multiple kingdoms Genesis 14:1.
- Identifying a Belligerent: The name serves to identify one of the specific political entities involved in the conflict against Sodom and the other cities of the plain Genesis 14:9.
In summary, H495 is a proper noun for a location, the country of Ellasar. Its presence in scripture is confined to the account of the war of the kings in Genesis 14. It functions not as a theological concept, but as a historical and geographical anchor, identifying the kingdom ruled by king Arioch and his place within a significant military coalition.
TRV