Arioch is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, appearing in two distinct contexts. The name Arioch is believed to be of Akkadian origin, meaning "servant of the moon god," which reflects the cultural and religious influences of the ancient Near East.

1. Arioch, King of Ellasar: Arioch is first introduced in the Book of Genesis as a king during the time of Abraham. He is one of the four kings allied with Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, who waged war against the five kings of the cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. This coalition is described in Genesis 14:1: "And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim." Arioch's involvement in this battle highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the region during the patriarchal period. The narrative continues with the capture of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and Abraham's subsequent rescue mission, which ultimately leads to the defeat of Arioch and his allies.

2. Arioch, Captain of the King's Guard: The second mention of Arioch is found in the Book of Daniel, where he serves as the captain of the guard under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream and demands its interpretation from his wise men, threatening them with death if they fail. When they are unable to comply, the king orders their execution. Arioch is tasked with carrying out this decree. However, Daniel intervenes, requesting time to seek God's revelation of the dream. Daniel 2:14-15 states: "Then Daniel responded with tact and discretion to Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. He asked Arioch, 'Why is the decree from the king so harsh?' Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel." Arioch's role is pivotal as he facilitates Daniel's audience with the king, leading to the revelation and interpretation of the dream, which ultimately spares the lives of the wise men.

In both instances, Arioch is depicted as a figure of authority, involved in significant historical and spiritual events. His presence in these narratives underscores the themes of divine intervention and the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers and their affairs.Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences)

Daniel 2:14
Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, who was gone forth to kill the wise men of Babylon;
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Daniel 2:15
he answered Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
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Daniel 2:24
Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said thus to him: Don't destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation.
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Daniel 2:25
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus to him, I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.
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Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences)
Ar'i-och. Ar'ioch, Ar'i-och. Arisai . Multi-Version Concordance
Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences). Daniel 2:14 Then Daniel returned answer ...
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Ar'ioch (2 Occurrences)
Ar'ioch. Arioch, Ar'ioch. Ar'i-och . Multi-Version Concordance Ar'ioch (2
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Arioch, Ar'ioch. Ar'i-och . Reference Bible.
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Arisai (1 Occurrence)

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