Aphrika was not originally the name of an entire continent but the name of a sovereign kingdom whose capital was Dinhaḇah a small part of the landmass of the modern Africa. Genesis 36:32 records that Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom and that "the name of his city was Dinhaḇah." The Book of Jasher (Chapters 57 and 60) provides additional historical context surrounding the kingdoms and rulers of Esau's descendants. This reconstruction associates Dinhaḇah with the kingdom known as Aphrika.
Over many centuries, the
name Aphrika was gradually extended from one kingdom to the surrounding
landmass, much as later political powers expanded regional names to encompass
larger territories.
The Gospels record
that Shimon (Simon) of Cyrene was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry
Yahusha's wooden stake on the way to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke
23:26). According to the Book of Natsarim 20, Shimon is identified as coming
from the country of Aphrika, supporting the view that Aphrika was
recognized as a distinct nation rather than a continental designation.
Mitsrayim (Egypt) and Kenaan (Canaan) as neighbouring
African land nations. Exodus indicates that a direct overland journey from
Mitsrayim to Kenaan could have been completed in a relatively short period.
Instead, Yahuah directed the children of Israel toward the Sea of Reeds (Yam
Suph) and into the wilderness because of their unbelief and disobedience,
resulting in forty years of wandering before entering the Promised Land.
Accordingly, the Sea
of Reeds is understood here as an inland reed-filled body of water within the
African landmass rather than the modern Red Sea.
Colonial Expansion
of the Name "Africa"
the present-day use of
Africa resembles later political naming practices. Just as European
colonial administrations grouped numerous independent nations into modern
states such as Nigeria during the nineteenth century, it is proposed that the
name Aphrika was historically expanded from one ancient kingdom to
describe an entire continent.
Scriptural Basis
This reconstruction
draws upon:
- Genesis 36:32 (Dinhaḇah, city of Bela son of Beor)
- Book of Jasher, Chapters 57 and 60
- Matthew 27:32
- Mark 15:21
- Luke 23:26
- Book of Natsarim, Chapter 20
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