The Aramaic word ʼĂphârᵉçay, represented by H670, identifies an Apharsite. This term, of foreign origin and found only in the plural, appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse. It refers to an inhabitant of an unknown region within Assyria who was settled in Samaria.
The single biblical occurrence of H670 is found in a list of various foreign peoples who were involved in formally opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. In Ezra 4:9, the Apharsites are named as part of a coalition, including officials and other transplanted groups, who co-authored a letter of complaint to King Artaxerxes. This letter was written by "Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions" and listed the various nationalities involved, including the Apharsites.
The context of Ezra 4:9 provides a list of other foreign peoples settled in the region who joined the opposition. Several related words identify these groups:
- H671 ʼĂpharçᵉkay (Apharsachites): Refers to an unknown Assyrian tribe, mentioned alongside the Apharsites, possibly indicating a related or neighboring group.
- H2967 Ṭarpᵉlay (Tarpelites): The inhabitants of Tarpel, another place in Assyria from which people were deported.
- H1784 Dîynay (Dinaite): An inhabitant of an unknown Assyrian province, also listed as a co-signer of the letter.
- H896 Bablîy (Babylonian): A native of Babylonia, indicating the diverse origins of the peoples settled in Samaria who opposed the Jews.
- H5962 ʻAlmîy (Elamite): An inhabitant of Elam, another group mentioned in the coalition against Jerusalem Ezra 4:9.
The term H670 itself carries no direct theological weight, but its context is significant.
- Historical Reality of Opposition: The specific naming of the Apharsites and other groups underscores the historical reality and the organized nature of the resistance faced by the Jews returning from exile. It was not a vague threat but a formal coalition of named peoples.
- Imperial Policy: The presence of the Apharsites illustrates the consequence of Assyrian and Persian imperial policy, which involved transplanting populations to different parts of their empire. This created a mixed and often hostile population in Samaria.
- Setting for God's Providence: By detailing the extensive list of opponents, including the Apharsites, the narrative sets a backdrop of significant human opposition. The ultimate success of the rebuilding effort, despite this coalition, serves to highlight God's faithfulness to His people.
In summary, H670 is a highly specific term for the Apharsites, a people of uncertain origin in Assyria. Its sole appearance in Ezra 4:9 places it squarely within the historical context of the opposition to the reconstruction of Jerusalem. While obscure, its inclusion adds specific detail to the biblical record, giving texture to the political and social challenges that the post-exilic community had to overcome.
TRV