The Arkites were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. They are listed among the various Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land before the arrival of the Israelites. The primary biblical reference to the Arkites is found in Genesis 10:17 and 1 Chronicles 1:15, where they are included in the Table of Nations, a passage that outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the Flood.

Biblical References:

· Genesis 10:15-18 : "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites."

· 1 Chronicles 1:13-16 : "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites."

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Arkites are believed to have been inhabitants of the ancient city of Arka, also known as Irqata, located in the region of northern Lebanon. Arka was situated near the coast, north of the city of Tripoli, and was part of the broader region of Phoenicia. This area was known for its strategic location and its role in ancient trade and cultural exchanges.

The city of Arka itself is mentioned in various ancient texts outside the Bible, including Egyptian and Assyrian records, which highlight its significance during different periods. The Arkites, as part of the Canaanite tribes, were likely involved in the complex socio-political landscape of the ancient Near East, interacting with neighboring peoples and empires.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

As Canaanites, the Arkites would have shared in the broader cultural and religious practices of the region, which were characterized by polytheism and the worship of deities such as Baal and Asherah. The Canaanite religion was often in direct contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites, leading to frequent conflicts and admonitions by the prophets against adopting Canaanite practices.

The Arkites, like other Canaanite tribes, were eventually displaced or assimilated as the Israelites established their presence in the Promised Land. The biblical narrative often portrays these tribes as adversaries to the Israelites, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to remain distinct and faithful to their covenant with God.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological excavations in the region where Arka was located have provided insights into the material culture of the Arkites and their contemporaries. Findings include pottery, inscriptions, and architectural remains that reflect the influence of various neighboring cultures, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian.

These archaeological discoveries help to paint a picture of a vibrant and interconnected ancient world, where the Arkites played a role in the broader tapestry of Canaanite civilization.Arkites

Descendants of Canaan, of the Zidonian branch, who settled a town, called Arka, at the northwest foot of Mount Lebanon, Genesis 10:17; 1 Chronicles 1:15. The ruins of Arka have been found by Burckhardt and others about fourteen miles northeast of Tripolis.

6208. Arqi -- descendant of Canaan, inhab. of the city of Arka
... Word Origin from araq Definition desc. of Canaan, inhab. of the city of Arka
NASB Word Usage Arkite (1), Arkites (1). Arkite. Patrial ...
/hebrew/6208.htm - 6k

Chapter x
... The "Sinite" should, no doubt, be placed near the Arkites. The "Arvadite" belongs
apparently in the vicinity of the island city Aradus, also north of Tripolis. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... But the parts about Sidon, as also those that belonged to the Arkites, and the
Amathites, and the Aradians, were not yet regularly disposed of. 24. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Arkites (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arkites (3 Occurrences). Genesis 10:17 and the Hivite,
and the Arkite, and the Sinite; (See RSV NIV). Joshua ...
/a/arkites.htm - 6k

Arkite (7 Occurrences)
... The Arkites are mentioned in Genesis 10:17 and 1 Chronicles 1:15 as being the
descendants of Canaan, and they were undoubtedly of Phoenician stock. ...
/a/arkite.htm - 9k

Nations (683 Occurrences)
... Among the sons of Canaan are, likewise, the Girgashites, the Arkites and Sinites
near Lebanon, the Arvadites of the coast, and the Hamathites, in whose capital ...
/n/nations.htm - 58k

Arm (110 Occurrences)

/a/arm.htm - 42k

Table (125 Occurrences)
... Among the sons of Canaan are, likewise, the Girgashites, the Arkites and Sinites
near Lebanon, the Arvadites of the coast, and the Hamathites, in whose capital ...
/t/table.htm - 62k

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