The term "Arbite" refers to an inhabitant of the ancient city of Arab, which is mentioned in the Old Testament. Arab was a town located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The specific mention of an Arbite in the Bible is found in the context of David's mighty warriors, highlighting the significance of individuals from this region in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to an Arbite is found in 2 Samuel 23:35, which lists the mighty men who served King David. The verse states: "Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite" . This passage is part of a larger section that details the exploits and origins of David's elite group of warriors, known as the "Thirty." These men were renowned for their bravery, loyalty, and skill in battle, playing a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Arab, the city associated with the Arbites, is mentioned in Joshua 15:52 as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The verse lists Arab among other towns in the hill country: "Arab, Dumah, Eshan" . The exact location of Arab is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated in the southern part of Judah's territory, possibly in the region of the Judean hills.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The mention of an Arbite among David's mighty men underscores the diverse backgrounds of those who were drawn to David's leadership. It reflects the unifying nature of David's reign, where individuals from various towns and tribes came together to support the anointed king of Israel. This unity among the warriors symbolizes the broader unity that David sought to establish among the tribes of Israel.

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of individuals like Paarai the Arbite in the biblical narrative serves to highlight God's providence in raising up leaders and warriors from different regions to fulfill His purposes. It also emphasizes the importance of loyalty and courage in the service of God's chosen leaders.

Conclusion:

The Arbite, as represented by Paarai, is a testament to the rich tapestry of individuals who contributed to the establishment of David's kingdom. While the specific details about Arab and its inhabitants remain limited, the biblical account provides insight into the role of these individuals in the unfolding account of Israel's history.Arbite

a native of Arab. Paarai the Arbite was one of David's guard. (2 Samuel 23:35)

ARBITE

ar'-bit (ha-'arbi): The Arbite or perhaps an inhabitant of Arabia in southern Judah (Joshua 15:52). The epithet is used in connection with one of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:35; where Paarai the Arbite occurs. In the parallel list (1 Chronicles 11:37) we have Naarai the son of Ezbai.

701. Arbi -- a native of Arab
... 700, 701. Arbi. 702 . a native of Arab. Transliteration: Arbi Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-bee') Short Definition: Arbite. Word ... 1). Arbite. ...
/hebrew/701.htm - 6kArbite (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARBITE. ar'-bit (ha-'arbi): The Arbite or perhaps an
inhabitant of Arabia in southern Judah (Joshua 15:52). ...Arbite (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/arbite.htm - 7k

Paarai (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Opening of the Lord, "the Arbite," one of David's heroes
(2 Samuel 23:35); called also Naarai, 1 Chronicles 11:37. Int. ...
/p/paarai.htm - 7k

Arbela

/a/arbela.htm - 9k

Naarai (1 Occurrence)
... In the parallel passage (2 Samuel 23:35), he is called "Paarai the Arbite." The
true forms of the name and description are uncertain (see Budde, Richter u ...
/n/naarai.htm - 7k

Pa'arai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pa'arai (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:35 Hezro the Carmelite,
Paarai the Arbite, (See RSV). Paarai, Pa'arai. Pacatiana . ...
/p/pa'arai.htm - 6k

Carmelite (6 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS YLT NAS). 2 Samuel 23:35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 3:1 ...
/c/carmelite.htm - 9k

Arbiter (3 Occurrences)

/a/arbiter.htm - 7k

Hezrai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hezrai (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:35 Hezrai the
Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, (KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/h/hezrai.htm - 7k

Hezro (2 Occurrences)
... men.". Multi-Version Concordance Hezro (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:35 Hezro
the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV). 1 ...
/h/hezro.htm - 7k

Carmel (33 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 23:35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, (Root in
WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Kings 18 ...
/c/carmel.htm - 25k

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