The people of Togarmah were a biblical nation mentioned in genealogies, trade networks, and prophetic writings, often associated with Asia Minor, Armenia, or regions near modern-day Turkey. As descendants of Gomer, they were part of the Japhethite lineage, settling in the northern territories of the ancient Near East. Biblical references depict them as a warlike and trade-oriented people, engaged in commerce, alliances, and military conflicts.
Togarmah appears primarily in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10), the prophecies of Ezekiel, and various ancient historical records. Many scholars connect Togarmah with the ancient Hurrians, Hittites, or early Armenians, placing them in the mountainous regions of Anatolia, the Caucasus, or northern Mesopotamia.
This essay will explore the biblical identity, geographic location, cultural practices, religious beliefs, and prophetic significance of Togarmah, providing insight into their role in biblical and ancient history.
Words: 1100 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Who Were the People of Togarmah?
The descendants of Togarmah are traced back to Gomer, the son of Japheth, as recorded in the Table of Nations:
- Genesis 10:3 – “The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.”
- 1 Chronicles 1:6 repeats this genealogy, confirming Togarmah as one of Gomer’s descendants.
As part of Japheth’s lineage, Togarmah was connected to northern tribes that spread across Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Eurasia. Their presence in Ezekiel’s prophecies suggests that they were a significant military and trade power, interacting with major empires of the ancient world.
Ancient records outside the Bible associate Togarmah with:
- The Hurrians and Hittites of Anatolia (modern Turkey).
- The Urartians or early Armenians of the Caucasus region.
- Warrior-merchant cultures involved in horse trade and metallurgy.
Their historical role indicates that they were a powerful and strategically located people, influencing trade and warfare across the Near East and beyond.
Geographic Location and Cultural Practices
Togarmah is generally identified with regions in Asia Minor, Armenia, or Turkey, with three primary theories about their location:
1. Anatolia (Modern Turkey) and the Hittite Connection
- Some scholars associate Togarmah with the Hittites, a powerful civilization in central Anatolia (modern Turkey).
- The Hittites were known for advanced military strategies, chariot warfare, and metallurgy, fitting Togarmah’s role in trade and war.
- The ancient city of Til-Garimmu (recorded in Assyrian texts) may preserve the name Togarmah, placing them in southeastern Turkey.
2. The Armenian Highlands and the Urartians
- Others place Togarmah in Armenia or the Caucasus, connecting them to Urartu, a kingdom known for its fortresses, warrior culture, and horse breeding.
- Armenian traditions often claim Togarmah as an ancestral figure, reinforcing this connection.
3. The Steppe Nomads and Eurasian Influence
- Some suggest Togarmah was part of a larger nomadic confederation, linking them to the Cimmerians, Scythians, or other steppe tribes.
- These groups raided, traded, and migrated across the Near East, impacting Mesopotamian and Anatolian civilizations.
Regardless of the exact location, Togarmah was clearly a northern power involved in warfare and commerce, fitting its biblical descriptions.
Biblical References to Togarmah
1. Togarmah in Ezekiel’s Prophecy Against Tyre (Ezekiel 27:14)
Togarmah appears in Ezekiel’s lament over the city of Tyre, highlighting its economic role in trade:
- Ezekiel 27:14 – “People of Beth Togarmah exchanged chariot horses, cavalry horses, and mules for your merchandise.”
This passage suggests that Togarmah was known for:
- Horse breeding and cavalry trade, supplying military mounts to other nations.
- Commerce with Tyre, a major Phoenician port city engaged in international trade.
- Military alliances, as warhorses were a valuable resource in ancient warfare.
2. Togarmah in Ezekiel 38–39: Part of Gog’s Military Coalition
Togarmah plays a role in Ezekiel’s prophecy of Gog and Magog, as part of a northern alliance invading Israel:
- Ezekiel 38:6 – “Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north, with all its troops—the many nations with you.”
- Ezekiel 39:1-2 – Togarmah is listed among the forces that come against Israel, only to be destroyed by God’s intervention.
🔹 Key Takeaways from Ezekiel’s Prophecy:
- Togarmah was part of a northern confederation, led by Gog of Magog.
- Their attack against Israel was orchestrated but ultimately doomed.
- The prophecy emphasizes God’s protection over Israel and His control over nations.
This suggests that Togarmah represented a distant but formidable power, involved in both trade and military ventures.
Religious Beliefs and Deities of Togarmah
Though the Bible does not detail Togarmah’s religious practices, historical evidence from Anatolia, Armenia, and the surrounding regions suggests that they:
- Worshiped Storm and War Gods
- If associated with the Hittites, they likely worshiped Tarhunt (storm god) and other Indo-European deities.
- If linked to Urartu, they may have venerated Haldi, the warrior god.
- Practiced Animal Sacrifices and Ancestral Worship
- Rituals involving horses, bulls, and warriors were common among Indo-European and Hurrian groups.
- Tombs often included weapons and offerings, reflecting belief in an afterlife of battle and honor.
- Had Religious Influences from Neighboring Cultures
- Given their trade connections, they would have interacted with Mesopotamian, Assyrian, and Phoenician religious traditions.
Togarmah’s religious identity was likely a blend of polytheistic war cults and regional spiritual practices, fitting their military and trade-oriented society.
Conclusion
The people of Togarmah were a northern nation associated with Asia Minor, Armenia, or Turkey, known for their military strength, horse trade, and role in biblical prophecy. As descendants of Gomer, they played a significant role in early geopolitics, interacting with Mesopotamian, Anatolian, and Levantine civilizations.
🔹 Key Lessons from Their History:
- The fleeting nature of military and economic power – Togarmah was once a mighty trading and warrior nation, yet it eventually faded into history.
- God’s sovereignty over nations – Though they participated in prophetic wars against Israel, they could not escape divine judgment.
- The interconnectedness of ancient civilizations – Togarmah’s presence in trade and warfare shows how nations were woven into God’s greater plan.
Though Togarmah eventually disappeared, its legacy in biblical prophecy and ancient history remains significant.
Ezekiel 38:6
“Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north, with all its troops—the many nations with you.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
