### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **ʼĂram Nahărayim**, represented by `{{H763}}`, refers to the region of **Mesopotamia**, meaning "Aram of (the) two rivers." It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term designates a specific geographical area that plays a recurring role as a foreign power in the history of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H763}}` is first mentioned as the destination for Abraham's servant, who travels to **Mesopotamia**, to the city of Nahor, to find a wife for Isaac [[Genesis 24:10]]. In later accounts, the region becomes a source of conflict. The Israelites were sold into the hand of Chushanrishathaim, king of **Mesopotamia**, and served him for eight years before being delivered ([[Judges 3:8]], [[Judges 3:10]]). The Ammonites hired chariots and horsemen from **Mesopotamia** to fight against David [[1 Chronicles 19:6]], and Balaam was hired from there to curse Israel [[Deuteronomy 23:4]]. The region is also mentioned in a psalm of David concerning a time when he strove with **Aramnaharaim** [[Psalms 60:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the antagonistic relationship between Israel and Mesopotamia:
* `{{H7936}}` **sâkar** (to hire): This word is used to describe how foreign powers procured military or spiritual opposition from Mesopotamia. Balaam was **hired** from the region to curse Israel [[Deuteronomy 23:4]], and the Ammonites **hired** soldiers from there for war [[1 Chronicles 19:6]].
* `{{H5327}}` **nâtsâh** (to strive together): This term appears in the context of direct conflict, as when David **strove** with Aramnaharaim [[Psalms 60:1]], illustrating the military struggles involving the region.
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to serve): This word denotes subjugation and is used to describe the period when the children of Israel **served** the king of Mesopotamia as a consequence of the LORD's anger [[Judges 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H763}}` is significant, establishing it as a key foreign entity in relation to Israel.
* **Place of Origin:** The narrative identifies **Mesopotamia** as the location of the city of Nahor, linking it to the ancestral roots of the patriarchs [[Genesis 24:10]].
* **Source of Antagonism:** The region is consistently portrayed as a source of hostility. This is seen when Balaam is hired from there to curse Israel [[Deuteronomy 23:4]], and when the Ammonites procure mercenaries from **Mesopotamia** to wage war against David [[1 Chronicles 19:6]].
* **Instrument of Divine Action:** God is shown to use **Mesopotamia** to achieve His purposes. He first **sold** Israel into the hand of its king as a form of judgment [[Judges 3:8]], and later **delivered** that same king into Israel's hand to bring about their liberation [[Judges 3:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H763}}` is more than just a geographical name. While it serves as a land of ancestral connection, its primary role in scripture is that of an adversarial power. Whether as the home of an oppressive king, a source for hired mercenaries, or an instrument of divine judgment, **ʼĂram Nahărayim** consistently represents a foreign nation with which Israel's destiny is intertwined through conflict and deliverance.
TRV