Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The term "Arabs" in the Bible refers to a group of people who inhabited the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. The Bible mentions Arabs in various contexts, often highlighting their interactions with the Israelites and other neighboring peoples. The term "Arab" is derived from the Hebrew word "ʿarav," which can mean "desert" or "nomad," reflecting the lifestyle of many ancient Arab tribes. Biblical References: Arabs are mentioned in several passages throughout the Old and New Testaments. One of the earliest references is found in the genealogies of Genesis, where the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, are considered to be the progenitors of many Arab tribes. Genesis 25:13-16 lists the names of Ishmael's sons, who became tribal leaders in the region. In 1 Kings 10:15, the Bible notes the wealth that came to King Solomon from various sources, including "the merchants and traders, and all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land." This indicates the economic interactions between Israel and the Arab tribes during Solomon's reign. The prophet Isaiah also mentions the Arabs in his oracles against the nations. In Isaiah 21:13-17, a prophecy is directed toward the "caravans of Dedanites" and the "inhabitants of the land of Tema," both of which are associated with Arabian tribes. This passage highlights the nomadic lifestyle and the trade routes that were significant in the Arabian Peninsula. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul refers to his time spent in Arabia after his conversion. In Galatians 1:17, Paul states, "I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus." This brief mention suggests that Arabia was a place of retreat and reflection for Paul during his early Christian ministry. Cultural and Historical Context: The Arabs in biblical times were primarily nomadic tribes known for their skills in trade, herding, and warfare. They inhabited the vast desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula, which served as a crossroads for trade routes connecting the East and West. The Arabian tribes were known for their use of camels, which were essential for long-distance travel across the desert. The Bible often portrays the Arabs as both allies and adversaries of Israel. For example, during the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the Arabians brought tribute to him, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:11: "Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats." Religious Significance: From a biblical perspective, the Arabs are significant as descendants of Ishmael, who was blessed by God to become a great nation. In Genesis 17:20, God promises Abraham regarding Ishmael, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation." The relationship between the Israelites and the Arabs is complex, marked by both conflict and cooperation. The biblical narrative often uses these interactions to illustrate themes of God's sovereignty, judgment, and the fulfillment of His promises. Conclusion: The Arabs, as depicted in the Bible, are a diverse and influential group with a rich cultural heritage. Their interactions with the Israelites and other nations provide valuable insights into the historical and theological context of the biblical narrative. Greek 690b. Araps -- an Arab ... Araps. 691 . an Arab. Transliteration: Araps Short Definition: Arabs. Word Origin from Arabia Definition an Arab NASB Word Usage Arabs (1). 690a, 690b. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/690b.htm - 5k Strong's Hebrew 6163a. Arbi -- inhab. of Arabia... of Arabia. Transliteration: Arbi Short Definition: Arabs. Word Origin from Arab Definition inhab. of Arabia NASB Word Usage Arab (2), Arabians (2), Arabs (3). ... /hebrew/6163a.htm - 5k 7394. Rekab -- perhaps "band of riders," a Benjamite, also the ... 6152a. Arab -- "steppe-dwellers," a country East of Isr. Library Street Arabs. May 13. The Variety of Idolatrous Cults Proves that they are False. The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Clean and the Unclean The Inroads of Mahometanism State of the Papacy (Ad 891-1046) Of the Synod which was Held at Nic??a in Bithynia, and the Creed ... How Herod Made War with the King of Arabia, and after they had ... Abraham Of the Three Woe Trumpets. Thesaurus Arabs (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Arabs (7 Occurrences). Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we did hear them speaking in our tongues the great things of God.' (See NAS NIV) ... /a/arabs.htm - 8k Trachonitis (1 Occurrence) Antelope (2 Occurrences) Assur (2 Occurrences) Sherghat Sea (4178 Occurrences) Manna (19 Occurrences) East (228 Occurrences) Asshur (133 Occurrences) Wanderings (7 Occurrences) Resources Why do Jews and Arabs / Muslims hate each other? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the satanic verses? | GotQuestions.org Who is Allah? What is the origin of belief in Allah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Arabs (7 Occurrences)Acts 2:11 1 Kings 10:15 2 Chronicles 17:11 2 Chronicles 21:16 2 Chronicles 22:1 2 Chronicles 26:7 Nehemiah 4:7 Subtopics Related Terms Brother-in-law (5 Occurrences) |