Авана и Фарфар

Avana (rocky) and Farphar (fast) are the rivers of Damascus (2 Kings 5:12), now known as Barada and Avaj. Avana is the same as Amana (Song 4:8), and probably the Greek Chrysorrhoia (“golden river”). It originates in Aktilivan, and flows through the city; while Avaj originates in Hermon and flows 14 versts south of Damascus. But their direction is the same, from west to east, across the Damascus plain, and both flow into the so-called “Meadow Lakes”, 30 versts east of Damascus. Awana is the main reason for the extraordinary fertility and beauty of the Damascus plain. Avana is mentioned only once in the Bible, namely in connection with Naaman's healing of the leper (2 Kings 5:12). This Syrian commander arrived from Damascus to the prophet Elisha to ask him for healing from a terrible illness. But when the prophet advised him to go and bathe seven times in the waters of the Jordan, the arrogant Syrian answered with dissatisfaction and contempt: “Are not Avana and Farfar, the rivers of Damascus, better than the waters of Israel? Couldn't I bathe in them and be cleansed? "(2 Kings 5:12). As for Farfar, it was of great importance for Damascus, and without it the city itself would not exist; thanks to its waters, the city, despite all the disasters and vicissitudes of fate, has hitherto remained one of the most populous and brilliant cities of the East.