Lexical Summary Aryeh: Lion Original Word: אַרְיֵה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arieh The same as 'ariy; lion; Arjeh, an Israelite -- Arieh. see HEBREW 'ariy Brown-Driver-Briggs אַרְיֵה proper name, masculine so apparently 2 Kings 15:25 an officer of Pekahiah, but with article הָאַרְיֵה, & on text with possible corruption & dittography see Klo. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Symbolism Arieh—literally “lion”—carries connotations of strength, courage and regal power that run through the canon of Scripture. The lion motif evokes divine protection (Psalm 91:13), messianic authority (Genesis 49:9–10; Revelation 5:5) and at times fierce judgment (Amos 3:8). The personal name therefore suggests nobility and vigor, qualities expected of a royal attendant in the northern kingdom of Israel. Historical Setting Arieh appears during the reign of Pekahiah, son of Menahem, in the tumultuous period of Israel’s decline (circa 740 BC). The nation was reeling from Assyrian pressure, rampant idolatry and court intrigue (2 Kings 15:17–31). Power was shifting, and assassination became a recurring pathway to the throne. Role in the Narrative “Then Pekah son of Remaliah, his officer, conspired against him and struck him down—in Samaria, in the citadel of the king’s house—along with Argob and Arieh and fifty men of the Gileadites. In his place he reigned.” (2 Kings 15:25) Arieh, probably a high-ranking courtier or military commander, is noted as one of the two principal supporters of Pekahiah who fell in the coup led by Pekah. His presence highlights the fragility of human alliances when covenant loyalty to the LORD is neglected. Though only briefly mentioned, Arieh’s death illustrates the cost of political instability that characterized Israel during the era of the divided monarchy. Theological and Practical Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty over Kingship: While human conspirators maneuver, the prophetic word already foretold judgment on the house of Jehu (2 Kings 10:30–31). Arieh’s demise underscores that God’s purposes prevail even through violent regime change. Intertextual Considerations Though no further biblical references to Arieh exist, the broader lion imagery frames his mention. The lion symbolizes both righteous rule (Proverbs 28:1) and unchecked predation (1 Peter 5:8). Arieh’s fate amid palace intrigue exemplifies the latter, a distorted exercise of power contrary to God’s design for leadership (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). Contemporary Application • Integrity in Leadership: Arieh’s downfall cautions modern believers that titles of strength are hollow without righteousness. Arieh’s solitary appearance thus functions as a poignant cameo, reminding students of Scripture that names and positions count little when detached from covenant faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations הָאַרְיֵ֔ה האריה hā’aryêh hā·’ar·yêh haarYehLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 15:25 HEB: אַרְגֹּ֣ב וְאֶת־ הָאַרְיֵ֔ה וְעִמּ֛וֹ חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים NAS: with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty KJV: with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty INT: with Argob and Arieh with were fifty 1 Occurrence |
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