Tel-Abib
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Topical Encyclopedia
Tel-abib is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel. It is significant as the place where the prophet Ezekiel resided during the early part of his prophetic ministry. The name "Tel-abib" is derived from the Hebrew words "tel," meaning "mound" or "hill," and "abib," which refers to "ears of grain" or "spring." This suggests that Tel-abib was likely a settlement or mound associated with agricultural activity, possibly indicating a place of new beginnings or renewal.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Tel-abib is found in Ezekiel 3:15: "Then I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were dwelling by the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days, overwhelmed."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Tel-abib was located by the Kebar River, which is believed to be a canal or tributary of the Euphrates River in ancient Babylonia. This area was part of the region where the Jewish exiles were taken following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 597 BC. The exiles, including Ezekiel, were settled in various locations throughout Babylonia, and Tel-abib was one such settlement.

The mention of Tel-abib in Ezekiel highlights the historical context of the Babylonian Exile, a period of great significance in Jewish history. During this time, the Jewish people were removed from their homeland and faced the challenge of maintaining their faith and identity in a foreign land. Ezekiel's prophetic ministry was crucial in providing guidance, hope, and a call to repentance for the exiled community.

Theological Significance:

Tel-abib serves as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophetic mission. The prophet's presence among the exiles at Tel-abib underscores the theme of God's continued presence and communication with His people, even in exile. Ezekiel's vision and messages delivered from this location emphasize God's sovereignty and His plans for restoration and renewal.

Ezekiel's experience at Tel-abib, where he sat "overwhelmed" for seven days, reflects the weight of the prophetic burden and the seriousness of the message he was to deliver. This period of silence and contemplation signifies the gravity of the divine revelation and the responsibility placed upon the prophet.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:

The name Tel-abib, with its connotations of new growth and springtime, may symbolize hope and renewal for the exiled community. It suggests the possibility of new beginnings, even in the midst of displacement and despair. This symbolism aligns with the broader message of Ezekiel, which includes promises of restoration and the eventual return to the land of Israel.

In summary, Tel-abib is a significant location in the biblical narrative, representing both the physical setting of the Jewish exile and the spiritual context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of renewal for His people.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hill of corn, a place on the river Chebar, the residence of Ezekiel (Ezek. 3:15). The site is unknown.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TEL-ABIB

tel-a'-bib (tel 'abhibh; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) ad acervum novarum frugum):

1. The Name and Its Meaining:

As written in Hebrew, Tel-abib means "hill of barley-ears" and is mentioned in Ezekiel 3:15 as the place to which the prophet went, and where he found Jewish captives "that dwelt by the river Chebar." That Tel-abib is written, as Fried. Delitzsch suggests, for Til Ababi, "Mound of the Flood" (which may have been a not uncommon village-name in Babylonia) is uncertain. Moreover, if the captives themselves were the authors of the name, it is more likely to have been in the Hebrew language. Septuagint, which has meteoros, "passing on high," referring to the manner in which the prophet reached Tel-abib, must have had a different Hebrew reading.

2. The Position of the Settlement:

If the Chebar be the nar Kabari, as suggested by Hilprecht, Tel-abib must have been situated somewhere in the neighborhood of Niffer, the city identified with the Calneh of Genesis 10:10. The tablet mentioning the river Kabaru refers to grain (barley?) seemingly sent by boat from Niffer in Nisan of the 21st year of Artaxerxes I. Being a navigable waterway, this was probably a good trading-center.

LITERATURE.

See Hilprecht and Clay, Business Documents of Murasha Sons ("Pennsylvania Exp.," Vol IX, 28); Clay, Light on the Old Testament from Babel, 405.

T. G. Pinches

Strong's Hebrew
8512. Tel Abib -- "hill of grain," a place in Babylon
Tel Abib. 8511, 8512. Tel Abib. 8513 . "hill of grain," a place in
Babylon. Transliteration: Tel Abib Phonetic Spelling: (tale ...
/hebrew/8512.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Telabib (1 Occurrence)
... 2. The Position of the Settlement: If the Chebar be the nar Kabari, as suggested
by Hilprecht, Tel-abib must have been situated somewhere ...Telabib (1 Occurrence ...
/t/telabib.htm - 8k

Tel-abib (1 Occurrence)
Tel-abib. Telabib, Tel-abib. Telah . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (See JPS ASV
DBY WBS NAS RSV). Telabib, Tel-abib. Telah . Reference Bible.
/t/tel-abib.htm - 8k

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)
... 1:3). He was one of the Jewish exiles who settled at Tel-Abib, on the banks of the
Chebar, "in the land of the Chaldeans." He was probably carried away captive ...
/e/ezekiel.htm - 45k

Tel (5 Occurrences)

/t/tel.htm - 8k

Kebar (8 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the
river of Kebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among ...
/k/kebar.htm - 8k

Telah (1 Occurrence)

/t/telah.htm - 6k

Astonied (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 3:15 And I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the
river Chebar, and I sat where they sat; and I sat there astonied among them ...
/a/astonied.htm - 12k

Abib (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the
river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among ...
/a/abib.htm - 10k

Appalled (31 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the
river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there overwhelmed among them ...
/a/appalled.htm - 15k

Resources
What is the structure of the Jewish calendar? | GotQuestions.org

What are some exciting discoveries in biblical archaeology? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Jacob's well? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Tel-abib (1 Occurrence)

Ezekiel 3:15
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.
(See JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Tel-Abib

Tel-Abib: Residence of Jewish Captives in Babylonia

Related Terms

Tel-abib (1 Occurrence)

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)

Tel (5 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Telah (1 Occurrence)

Astonied (12 Occurrences)

Abib (5 Occurrences)

Appalled (31 Occurrences)

Astonished (92 Occurrences)

Telabib
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