Aram was a son of Shem and the ancestor of the Arameans, the people from whom Abraham descended, as well as Rebecca and her brother Laban. In Jewish literature, Laban is often known as the Aramean.
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The Lineage of AramTANAKH
The Lineage of Aram
TANAKH
Aram's lineage through Kemuel highlights the significance of Aram in the biblical narrative. The book of Genesis provides the genealogical context, mentioning Aram's father Kemuel and his uncles Uz and Buz.
Ancestral Connections in GenesisCOMMENTARY
Ancestral Connections in Genesis
COMMENTARY
The genealogical connections in the Torah reveal the importance of lineage and ancestry in Jewish tradition. Radak, a medieval Jewish commentator, explores the possibility that Terach married a descendant of Aram and that Nachor named his descendants to honor their ancestry.
From Fugitive to NationTANAKH
From Fugitive to Nation
TANAKH
The Israelites' journey from humble beginnings to becoming a great nation is a testament to their resilience and God's guidance. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites declare their history when bringing the first fruits to the Temple, recounting their ancestors' journey and God's role in their growth and prosperity.
The Leprous CommanderTANAKH
The Leprous Commander
TANAKH
Naaman, a commander of the Aramean army, is a fascinating figure who, despite his military success and favor with his king, suffers from leprosy. The narrative in Kings II explores Naaman's journey and the divine interventions that shape his fate.
The Downfall of AramTANAKH
The Downfall of Aram
TANAKH
The fate of Aram, once a powerful nation, is prophesied to mirror that of the Israelites, highlighting the inevitability of their downfall and assimilation. The prophet Isaiah, in his rebuke and warnings, foretells the downfall of Ephraim and Damascus, equating the remnant of Aram with the Israelites.
David's Triumph Over AramTANAKH
David's Triumph Over Aram
TANAKH
David's military and political dominance over the Arameans showcases his strategic prowess and the divine favor he enjoyed. The biblical narrative in I Chronicles details David's victories, including his defeat of the Arameans of Damascus and their subsequent subjugation as tributary vassals.
The Siege of SamariaTANAKH
The Siege of Samaria
TANAKH
King Ben-hadad of Aram demonstrated formidable military prowess by assembling a vast coalition to besiege Samaria. Kings I recounts the dramatic events of Ben-hadad's siege, highlighting the political and military tensions of the time.