Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Arad is a significant location and figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the Canaanite king who opposed the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The name "Arad" refers both to a king and a city in the Negev region of ancient Canaan. Biblical References: Arad is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers. The Canaanite king of Arad heard of Israel's approach and attacked them, taking some of them captive. In response, Israel vowed to the LORD to utterly destroy the cities of the Canaanites if He delivered them into their hands. The LORD listened to Israel's plea, and they defeated the Canaanites, dedicating the cities to destruction. This event is recorded in Numbers 21:1-3 : "When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them. So Israel made a vow to the LORD: 'If You will indeed deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.' And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah." The city of Arad is also mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 12:14, Arad is listed among the cities whose kings were defeated by Joshua and the Israelites: "the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one." Historical and Geographical Context: Arad was located in the southern part of Canaan, in the Negev desert region. The city was strategically positioned on the trade routes, making it a significant location for commerce and military endeavors. Archaeological evidence suggests that Arad was a fortified city with a complex society, which aligns with its depiction as a formidable opponent to the Israelites. Theological Significance: The account of Arad highlights several theological themes, including the faithfulness of God in delivering His people and the importance of Israel's obedience to divine commands. The vow made by the Israelites and their subsequent victory underscore the concept of dedicating victories to God and the fulfillment of vows made to Him. The destruction of Arad and its cities serves as a testament to God's judgment against the Canaanites and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. Cultural and Religious Impact: The narrative of Arad's defeat is part of the larger account of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the indigenous Canaanite populations, a theme that recurs throughout the conquest narratives. The destruction of Arad and its cities is an example of the herem, or the ban, which was a form of warfare in which everything captured was devoted to God, often through complete destruction. Legacy: The account of Arad is a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to claim the land promised to them by God. It also serves as a historical marker of the transition from the nomadic life of the wilderness to the settled life in Canaan. The defeat of Arad is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of relying on God's guidance and strength in overcoming obstacles. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AradSmith's Bible Dictionary Arad(a wild ass), a Benjamite, son of Beriah, who drove out the inhabitants of Gath. (1 Chronicles 8:15) (B.C. 536.) ATS Bible Dictionary AradA Canaanitish city on the extreme south of Judea, the inhabitants of which drove back the Hebrews as they attempted to enter the promised land from Kadesh, Numbers 21:1; it was afterwards subdued, Joshua 10:41; 12:14; Jude 1:16. Robinson found its site on a hill about fifteen miles south of Hebron. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Now Tell Arad, a Canaanite city, about 20 miles south of Hebron. The king of Arad "fought against Israel and took of them prisoners" when they were retreating from the confines of Edom (Numbers 21:1; 33:40; Judges 1:16). It was finally subdued by Joshua (12:14). (2.) One of the sons of Beriah (1 Chronicles 8:15). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARADa'-rad (`aradh; Arad): Strong's Hebrew 6166. Arad -- a Canaanite city in the Negev... 6165, 6166. Arad. 6166a . a Canaanite city in the Negev. Transliteration: Arad Phonetic Spelling: (ar-awd') Short Definition: Arad. Arad ... /hebrew/6166.htm - 5k 6166b. Arad -- a Benjamite 6166a. Arad -- a Canaanite city in the Negev 6167. arad -- a wild donkey 5897. Irad -- descendant of Cain 6171. arod -- a wild donkey Library The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi. Ascalon. Gerar. The Story of the Eighty Witches. Letter L Letter M The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Ancient Chaldaea The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Pentateuch. Canaan Thesaurus Arad (5 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Now Tell Arad, a Canaanite city, about 20 miles south of Hebron. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARAD. ... /a/arad.htm - 10k Hormah (9 Occurrences) Negeb (37 Occurrences) Negev (39 Occurrences) Abednego (14 Occurrences) Abed-nego (14 Occurrences) Atharim (1 Occurrence) Hobab (3 Occurrences) Arabs (7 Occurrences) Canaanite (74 Occurrences) Resources What are some exciting discoveries in biblical archaeology? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Arad (5 Occurrences)Numbers 21:1 Numbers 33:40 Joshua 12:14 Judges 1:16 1 Chronicles 8:15 Subtopics Arad: A City on the South of Canaan Arad: A City on the South of Canaan: Subdued by Joshua Related Terms Brother-in-law (5 Occurrences) |