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Ecbatana City
About Ecbatana
Ecbatana was the capital of Media, on the site of modern Hamadan in western Iran. In the book of Tobit it is the city of Raguel, where Tobias marries Sara and where the demon Asmodeus is driven out; Tobias later settles and dies there. The book of Judith describes its great walls built by Arphaxad, king of the Medes, and its capture by Nabuchodonosor. The 'Achmetha' of Ezra 6:2, where Cyrus's decree was found, is generally identified with it.
History of Ecbatana
Sara's Reproachc. 672 BC
In Ecbatane, Sara daughter of Raguel, whose seven husbands were killed by the demon Asmodeus, is mocked by her father's maids and prays the same day as Tobit.
TOB 3:7-15A Wedding at Raguel's Housec. 672 BC
Tobias and his guide arrive at Raguel's house; Raguel gives Sara to Tobias by a written covenant.
TOB 7:1-14Tobias Settles Therec. 612 BC
After his parents' death Tobias moves to Ecbatane, inherits Raguel's goods and dies there aged 127.
TOB 14:12-14Taken by NabuchodonosorUndated
Still in Judith's story, Nabuchodonosor defeats Arphaxad, takes the towers of Ecbatane and turns its beauty into shame.
JDT 1:13-15
Notable Characters in Ecbatana
Locations Related to Ecbatana
Biblical Significance of Ecbatana
Ecbatana, the capital of Media, lies under the modern city of Hamadan in western Iran. In the book of Tobit it is the home of Raguel and his daughter Sara: Tobias marries her there, the demon Asmodeus is driven out, and Tobias later returns to end his days in the city. The book of Judith opens with the walls that Arphaxad, king of the Medes, builds around it, and with its capture by Nabuchodonosor. Ezra's 'Achmetha', where the decree of Cyrus was found, is generally identified with Ecbatana, which historical sources describe as a residence of the Persian kings.
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