PHARPAR fär’ pär (פַּרְפַּ֜ר). One of the “rivers of Damascus” mentioned by Naaman (2 Kings 5:12); its location is uncertain. Perhaps two tributaries of the El-Barada, which flows through Damascus, are meant. It is more likely, however, that the two rivers are the two major rivers of the Damascus plain, El-Barada itself (usually identified with the Abana, q.v.) and El-Awaj, “The Crooked,” to be identified with the Pharpar. This would understand “Damascus” as referring to the whole plain. El-Awaj originates in the eastern foothills of Mt. Hermon and flows eastward passing some ten m. S of Damascus. During its early course it is known by the name “Sabirany,” but from Kisweh to its dispersal into several streams that drain into the Bahrit el-Hijaneh (Lake Hijaneh), it is known as El-Awaj. Its water flow varies greatly according to the season, being greatest in the spring when the snows are melting off the mountains and diminishing considerably during the summer. Much of the productivity of the southern Damascus plain is due to its waters; and its cool, fresh waters, particularly in the early spring, could provide a favorable contrast to the frequently sluggish waters of the lower Jordan.

Bibliography “Damascus” and “Pharpar,” HDB (1900).