Lexical Summary Arabiy: Arabian, Arab Original Word: עֲרָבִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arabian Or marbiy {ar-bee'}; patrial from Arab; an Arabian or inhabitant of Arab (i.e. Arabia) -- Arabian. see HEBREW Arab Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲרָבִי name, of a people of foregoing, steppe-dweller; — Isaiah 13:20; בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר ׳כַּעֲרָבִ Jeremiah 3:2. עַרְבִי adjective, of a people Arabian (in strictly ethnographic sense, Nöl.c.); — ׳הָע as substantive Nehemiah 2:19 Geshem the Arabian, so Nehemiah 6:1; plural הָעַרְבִים Nehemiah 4:1; 2Chronicles 21:16; 22:1; also (written as Late Hebrew) הערביים2Chronicles 26:7 (Qr הָעַרְבִים), and even הָעַרְבִיאִים2Chronicles 17:11. Topical Lexicon Overview עֲרָבִי (Strong’s 6163) designates an “Arab” or “Arabian,” pointing to the nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples who occupied the desert regions south and east of Israel. The term appears nine times across four biblical books, always in historical or prophetic contexts where the presence of Arabians serves to highlight God’s dealings with the surrounding nations as He advances His redemptive purposes through Israel. Historical Setting By the monarchy period, Arab tribes were a recognizable geopolitical force in the Trans-Jordanian and Syrian deserts. Their economy depended on caravan trade, pastoralism, and, at times, raiding. They controlled critical trade routes linking southern Arabia, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, which explains both the tribute they could pay and the military threat they could pose. Interactions with Israel and Judah 1. Tribute under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:11) During Judah’s spiritual renewal under Jehoshaphat, “Some of the Philistines brought a gift and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabians brought him flocks”. The Arabians’ voluntary tribute underscores how God’s favor toward a faithful king brought even distant peoples into peaceful submission. 2. Invasion during Jehoram’s Apostasy (2 Chronicles 21:16) When Jehoram “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel” (2 Chronicles 21:6), “the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabians” (21:16). Their raid became an instrument of divine discipline, stripping the king of family and wealth (21:17). 3. Consequences for Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 22:1) The devastation inflicted by the Arabians left Ahaziah the youngest son as the only surviving heir. The narrative links covenant unfaithfulness with the geopolitical upheaval that the Arabians represented. 4. Victories under Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:7) “God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabians who lived in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites.” Military success under a God-fearing ruler reversed earlier humiliations and expanded Judah’s influence into Arabian territory. 5. Opposition to Restoration in Nehemiah Geshem (Gashmu) the Arab appears three times (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:7; 6:1) as a key antagonist to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. His alliances with Samaritans and Ammonites show how Arabian leaders sought to preserve regional power structures threatened by the return of a covenant community. Prophetic and Poetic Usage • Isaiah 13:20—In the oracle against Babylon, Isaiah declares, “No Arab will pitch his tent there,” portraying a total desolation so complete that even nomads—known for encamping in uninhabited places—will avoid it. The imagery magnifies the certainty of divine judgment. • Jeremiah 3:2—The prophet likens Judah’s unfaithfulness to a woman adopting the posture of “an Arab in the desert,” watching for passing travelers. The comparison evokes ambush and illicit pursuit, revealing the spiritual infidelity of seeking satisfaction outside covenant fellowship. Notable Individual: Geshem the Arab Geshem’s political stature suggests that some Arabians had moved from purely nomadic life to regional governance. His resistance to Nehemiah reflects broader patterns of opposition whenever God’s people attempt to renew covenant obedience. Theological Themes • Sovereign Rule over the Nations—Whether receiving tribute, executing discipline, or granting victory, the Lord employs Arab peoples as instruments of His will, affirming that “the LORD is King for ever and ever” (Psalm 10:16). • Covenant Faithfulness and Security—Positive or negative Arabian involvement corresponds directly to Judah’s faithfulness. Obedience invites peace; rebellion invites foreign incursion. • Universal Scope of Redemption—The very mention of Arabians in Scripture anticipates the gospel’s reach “to the ends of the earth.” Acts 2:11 records Arabs among those who heard the wonders of God at Pentecost, foreshadowing Revelation 7:9. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Cultural Engagement—Just as Israel’s testimony affected surrounding Arabians, the church’s holiness or compromise profoundly shapes its witness among neighboring cultures. 2. Dependence on Divine Protection—Military alliances and strategies fluctuate, but security rests in covenant faithfulness. Leaders today must prioritize obedience over diplomacy for lasting peace. 3. Hope in Prophetic Certainty—Isaiah’s and Jeremiah’s oracles assure believers that divine promises of judgment and restoration are irrevocable, encouraging steadfastness amid opposition. Selected Scripture References 2 Chronicles 17:11; 21:16–17; 22:1; 26:7 Nehemiah 2:19; 4:7; 6:1 Forms and Transliterations בָֽעַרְבִ֖ים בערבים הָֽעַרְבִ֔י הָֽעַרְבִ֛ים הָֽעַרְבִ֜י הָֽעַרְבִיאִ֗ים הערבי הערביאים הערבים וְהָ֣עַרְבִ֔ים וְהָעַרְבִ֨ים והערבים כַּעֲרָבִ֖י כערבי עֲרָבִ֔י ערבי ‘ă·rā·ḇî ‘ărāḇî araVi ḇā‘arḇîm ḇā·‘ar·ḇîm hā‘arḇî hā‘arḇî’îm hā‘arḇîm hā·‘ar·ḇî hā·‘ar·ḇî·’îm hā·‘ar·ḇîm haarVi haarviIm haarVim ka‘ărāḇî ka·‘ă·rā·ḇî kaaraVi vaarVim veHaarVim wə·hā·‘ar·ḇîm wəhā‘arḇîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 17:11 HEB: מַשָּׂ֑א גַּ֣ם הָֽעַרְבִיאִ֗ים מְבִיאִ֥ים לוֹ֙ NAS: to Jehoshaphat; the Arabians also KJV: silver; and the Arabians brought INT: and tribute again and the Arabians brought flocks 2 Chronicles 21:16 2 Chronicles 22:1 2 Chronicles 26:7 Nehemiah 2:19 Nehemiah 4:7 Nehemiah 6:1 Isaiah 13:20 Jeremiah 3:2 9 Occurrences |
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