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Ecbatana
CityEcbatana 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.
34.8000°N, 48.5200°E
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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.
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EdomEdom was the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Esau (also called Edom). The Edomites were relatives of Israel but often hostile. The prophet Obadiah pronounced judgment against Edom for their treatment of Judah during Jerusalem's fall.
EgyptEgypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
EmmausA village about sixty stadia from Jerusalem where two disciples walked on the evening of the resurrection. A stranger joined them and opened the Scriptures along the road; they knew him only when he broke the bread, and he vanished. Several sites claim the name; this marker follows the distance Luke gives.
Emmaus (Nicopolis)Emmaus, on the edge of the plain west of Jerusalem, is where the royal army of Nicanor and Gorgias camped and where Judas Maccabeus won a decisive victory over it. The Syrian general Bacchides later fortified the town. Its site is traditionally placed at Imwas, near Latrun, and it was renamed Nicopolis in the 3rd century AD. It is usually distinguished from the Emmaus of Luke 24, though some traditions identify the two.
En-dorA village north of Mount Gilboa where Saul, abandoned by God and facing the Philistines, sought out a medium by night after having banished them all from the land. The spirit he called up foretold his death, and the next day he fell on Gilboa.
EphesusEphesus was a major city in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Paul spent over two years there establishing a church that became influential throughout the region. The riot of silversmiths threatened Paul's life. The book of Ephesians and the letter to the church of Ephesus in Revelation were written to this congregation.
Euphrates RiverThe Euphrates River was one of the four rivers flowing from the Garden of Eden. It marked the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. This great river flowed through Mesopotamia, including Babylon. The drying up of the Euphrates is mentioned in Revelation as a sign of end times.
GalatiaGalatia was a region in central Asia Minor where Paul established several churches during his missionary journeys. He wrote the letter to the Galatians to combat the teaching that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish law, powerfully arguing that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.
GalileeGalilee was a region in northern Israel where Jesus grew up and conducted much of His ministry. Jesus called His first disciples here, performed many miracles, and taught large crowds. After His resurrection, Jesus met His disciples in Galilee and commissioned them to make disciples of all nations.
Garden of EdenThe Garden of Eden was the paradise God created for Adam and Eve, featuring the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Four rivers flowed from Eden: the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris (Hiddekel), and Euphrates. After the Fall, humanity was banished from the garden, and cherubim with a flaming sword guarded its entrance.
GathGath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the home of Goliath, the giant warrior who defied Israel. David fled to Gath to escape Saul and pretended to be insane before King Achish. The city was eventually conquered by David. The phrase "Tell it not in Gath" comes from David's lament over Saul and Jonathan.
GazaGaza was one of the five major Philistine cities on the Mediterranean coast. Samson was taken here after his capture, where he pushed down the pillars of the temple of Dagon, killing himself and thousands of Philistines. Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza.