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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: People of Antiquity</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/people_of_antiquity.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/people.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > People of Antiquity</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/people_living_in_darkness.htm" title="People Living in Darkness">◄</a> People of Antiquity <a href="/topical/p/people_of_ashdod.htm" title="People of Ashdod">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "People of Antiquity" refers to the various groups, tribes, and nations mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. These peoples played significant roles in the historical and theological narratives of Scripture, often interacting with the Israelites, God's chosen people. Understanding these groups provides insight into the cultural, political, and spiritual contexts of biblical events.<br><br><b>1. The Patriarchs and Their Descendants</b><br><br>The patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—are foundational figures in biblical history. Abraham, originally from Ur of the Chaldeans, is called by God to leave his homeland and journey to Canaan (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>). His descendants, through Isaac and Jacob, become the Israelites. Jacob's twelve sons form the twelve tribes of Israel, each playing a unique role in the unfolding of God's covenant promises.<br><br><b>2. The Egyptians</b><br><br>The Egyptians are one of the most frequently mentioned peoples in the Bible. They are known for their advanced civilization and powerful empire. The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, their subsequent enslavement, and the Exodus under Moses' leadership are pivotal events (Exodus 1-14). The Egyptians are often depicted as both oppressors and instruments of God's deliverance.<br><br><b>3. The Canaanites</b><br><br>The Canaanites were the inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. They were a collection of various tribes, including the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The Canaanites are often portrayed as idolatrous and morally corrupt, leading to God's command for their displacement by the Israelites (<a href="/deuteronomy/7.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1-2</a>).<br><br><b>4. The Philistines</b><br><br>The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. They are frequently depicted as adversaries of Israel, most notably during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy. The account of David and Goliath is one of the most famous accounts involving the Philistines (1 Samuel 17).<br><br><b>5. The Assyrians</b><br><br>The Assyrians were a dominant Mesopotamian empire known for their military prowess and brutality. They are significant in biblical history for their conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jonah, often spoke against Assyria, highlighting both their role as instruments of God's judgment and the possibility of repentance (<a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-19</a>; <a href="/bsb/jonah/3.htm">Jonah 3</a>).<br><br><b>6. The Babylonians</b><br><br>The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered the Southern Kingdom of Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. This event led to the Babylonian Exile, a critical period in Jewish history. The prophets Jeremiah and Daniel provide insights into this time, emphasizing themes of judgment, repentance, and hope for restoration (<a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10-14</a>; <a href="/bsb/daniel/1.htm">Daniel 1</a>).<br><br><b>7. The Persians</b><br><br>The Persian Empire, under King Cyrus, played a crucial role in the return of the Jewish exiles to their homeland. Cyrus is noted for his decree allowing the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple, fulfilling prophetic promises (<a href="/ezra/1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a>; <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a>). The Persians are often depicted favorably in the Bible, as instruments of God's providence.<br><br><b>8. The Greeks and Romans</b><br><br>While not as prominently featured in the Old Testament, the Greeks and Romans become significant in the New Testament context. The Greek influence is seen in the spread of Hellenistic culture, while the Roman Empire provides the political backdrop for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reflects on the interactions between early Christians and these dominant cultures, emphasizing the spread of the Gospel across diverse peoples (<a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Acts 17:16-34</a>; <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a>).<br><br>These peoples of antiquity, each with their unique characteristics and roles, contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical history. Their interactions with the Israelites and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan highlight the sovereignty and faithfulness of God throughout the ages.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/common_people--heard_jesus_gladly.htm">Common People: Heard Jesus Gladly</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/people.htm">People</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/people_taking_advantage_of_you.htm">People Taking Advantage of You</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/people_turning_against_you.htm">People Turning Against You</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/people_who_dont_like_you.htm">People Who Dont Like You</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/people_who_lie.htm">People Who Lie</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elishah.htm">Elishah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/people.htm">People (13047 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/japheth.htm">Japheth (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thickly.htm">Thickly (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/evil-doings.htm">Evil-doings (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barbarous.htm">Barbarous (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/caria.htm">Caria</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cosmological.htm">Cosmological</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/smyrna.htm">Smyrna (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shinar.htm">Shinar (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shem.htm">Shem (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/settlement.htm">Settlement (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/buildings.htm">Buildings (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arabia.htm">Arabia (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/world.htm">World (2829 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unpeopled.htm">Unpeopled (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/earlier.htm">Earlier (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fertile.htm">Fertile (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peoples.htm">Peoples (305 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah (802 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/walled.htm">Walled (63 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deluge.htm">Deluge (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/later.htm">Later (89 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pulled.htm">Pulled (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/noah.htm">Noah (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wasted.htm">Wasted (106 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingdom.htm">Kingdom (409 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/boats.htm">Boats (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/ships.htm">Ships (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/genealogy.htm">Genealogy (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus (10891 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ (573 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/people_living_in_darkness.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="People Living in Darkness"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="People Living in Darkness" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/people_of_ashdod.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="People of Ashdod"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="People of Ashdod" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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