Lexical Summary Arvadi: Arvadite Original Word: אַרְוָדִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arvadite Patrial from 'Arvad; an Arvadite or citizen of Arvad -- Arvadite. see HEBREW 'Arvad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Arvad Definition inhab. of Arvad NASB Translation Arvadite (1), Arvadites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַרְוָדִי adjective, of a people with article as collective noun (Assyrian Arudai, etc. COTGloss) mentioned among Canaanites, הָאַרְוָדִי Genesis 10:18 = 1 Chronicles 1:16. Topical Lexicon Identity and Genealogy The Arvadites were one of the clans descending from Canaan, the son of Ham and grandson of Noah. They are listed among the nations that populated the Mediterranean seaboard following the Flood (Genesis 10:18; 1 Chronicles 1:16). Their inclusion in the Table of Nations situates them within the broader Canaanite family but distinguishes them by their unique maritime setting and culture. Geographical Setting The name points to the island–city of Arvad (modern Ruad) lying just off the Syrian coast, two miles north of modern Tartus. The small island—only about two-thirds of a mile long—was naturally fortified by high cliffs and was renowned for its excellent harbor. From this base, the Arvadites projected their influence along the coast and into inland Phoenicia, often establishing trading posts and garrisons. Historical Background By the second millennium B.C., Arvad had grown into a significant Phoenician maritime center. Egyptian records of Thutmose III mention "Irwada," and Assyrian inscriptions later record Arvadite kings paying tribute to Adad-nirari III and Tiglath-Pileser III. Archaeology reveals extensive fortifications, cisterns, and temples, confirming a flourishing city-state that rivaled Tyre and Sidon in naval prowess. Biblical References and Context 1. Genesis 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 1:16 name the Arvadites among other Canaanite clans. The placement shows their early settlement on the coast and hints at the seafaring character that later blossomed. These verses reveal a cooperative Phoenician network in which Arvad supplied seasoned mariners and mercenaries, strengthening Tyre’s commercial empire. The prophet employs this imagery to underscore the breadth of Tyre’s trading power before announcing its eventual downfall (Ezekiel 26–28). Relations with Israel and Neighboring Nations While Scripture records no direct military conflicts between Israel and Arvad, the Arvadites are implicitly present in the broader Canaanite milieu that Israel confronted during the conquest of the land. Their naval capabilities and alliances with Tyre tied them to the commerce that fed idolatrous economies surrounding Israel. This commercial interplay helps explain the prophets’ frequent denunciations of Phoenician pride and materialism (e.g., Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 27–28). Theological and Ministry Insights 1. God’s Sovereign Oversight of Nations: The brief genealogical notices of the Arvadites remind readers that every tribe and tongue stems from a single created family under God’s providence (Acts 17:26). The Lord both raises maritime powers like Arvad for His purposes and holds them accountable for their sins. Legacy in Christian Teaching Early Christian commentators treated the Table of Nations as a testimony to the historicity of Genesis and a reminder that the gospel restores the unity fractured at Babel. The Arvadites, though peripheral in Scripture, contribute to that testimony. They also offer a vivid illustration of the shifting sands of human power: an island citadel once admired for its impregnable walls is today an archaeological ruin, whereas the kingdom of Christ continues to advance. The believer may therefore view the Arvadites as a call to place ultimate trust not in naval strength or commercial acumen but in the unshakable reign of God. Forms and Transliterations הָֽאַרְוָדִ֥י הָאַרְוָדִ֥י הארודי hā’arwāḏî hā·’ar·wā·ḏî haarvaDiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:18 HEB: וְאֶת־ הָֽאַרְוָדִ֥י וְאֶת־ הַצְּמָרִ֖י NAS: and the Arvadite and the Zemarite KJV: And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, INT: and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and the Hamathite 1 Chronicles 1:16 2 Occurrences |
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