Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Ab'arim refers to a mountain range or region located east of the Jordan River, often associated with the final journey of the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. The name "Ab'arim" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to pass over" or "to cross," indicating its significance as a crossing point or boundary. Biblical References: Ab'arim is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the Israelites' journey to Canaan. 1. Numbers 27:12 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and see the land that I have given to the Israelites.'" This passage highlights God's command to Moses to view the Promised Land from the heights of Ab'arim, signifying its role as a vantage point. 2. Numbers 33:47-48 : "They set out from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. They set out from the mountains of Abarim and camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho." These verses describe the Israelites' encampment in the region during their wilderness wanderings, emphasizing its geographical importance. 3. Deuteronomy 32:49 : "Go up into the Abarim range to Mount Nebo in the land of Moab, across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their possession." Here, God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Nebo, part of the Ab'arim range, to see the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Geographical Context: The Ab'arim range is situated in the modern-day region of Jordan, east of the Dead Sea. It includes notable peaks such as Mount Nebo, from which Moses viewed the Promised Land. The range serves as a natural boundary and offers a strategic overlook of the surrounding territories, including the plains of Moab and the Jordan Valley. Historical and Theological Significance: Ab'arim holds historical significance as the final encampment site of the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. Theologically, it represents a place of transition and revelation, where Moses received a glimpse of the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The range is also associated with the themes of vision, promise, and the culmination of the wilderness journey. Cultural and Religious Impact: In Jewish and Christian traditions, Ab'arim, particularly Mount Nebo, is revered as a sacred site. It is a place of pilgrimage and reflection, symbolizing the hope and anticipation of entering into God's promises. The narrative of Moses viewing the Promised Land from Ab'arim continues to inspire faith and perseverance among believers. Concordance Ab'arim (5 Occurrences)Numbers 27:12 Numbers 33:47 Numbers 33:48 Deuteronomy 32:49 Jeremiah 22:20 Thesaurus Ab'arim (5 Occurrences)Ab'arim. Abarim, Ab'arim. Abase . Multi-Version Concordance Ab'arim (5 Occurrences). Numbers 27:12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go up ... /a/ab'arim.htm - 7k I'ye-Ab'arim (2 Occurrences) Abarim (8 Occurrences) Abase (7 Occurrences) Iye-abarim (2 Occurrences) Iyim (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |