Topical Bible: Arabians: To Jehoshaphat

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Arabians" in the biblical context refers to the various tribes and peoples inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions during the biblical era. These groups are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in relation to the Israelites and their neighboring nations.

Historical Context and Geography

The Arabians were a diverse group of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes known for their trade, herding, and sometimes raiding activities. They inhabited the vast desert regions to the south and east of Israel, including parts of modern-day Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Sinai Peninsula. The Arabian tribes were known for their skills in camel riding and their ability to navigate the harsh desert environment.

Biblical References

The Arabians are mentioned in several instances throughout the Old Testament. They are often depicted as traders and warriors, interacting with the Israelites and other nations through commerce and conflict.

1. Trade and Commerce: The Arabians were known for their involvement in trade, particularly in spices, gold, and precious stones. In 1 Kings 10:15, it is noted that King Solomon received tribute from the kings of Arabia, highlighting the economic interactions between Israel and the Arabian tribes: "besides what came from the merchants, the traders’ profits, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land."

2. Military Conflicts: The Arabians were also involved in military conflicts with Israel. In 2 Chronicles 21:16-17, the LORD stirred up the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabians against Jehoram, the king of Judah, leading to a raid on Judah: "Then the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabs who bordered the Cushites. So they came against Judah, invaded it, and carried away all the possessions found in the king’s palace, as well as his sons and wives. Not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, his youngest."

3. Alliance with Jehoshaphat: During the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, the Arabians are mentioned in a more positive light. Jehoshaphat, known for his piety and reforms, received tribute from the Arabians, indicating a period of peace and cooperation. In 2 Chronicles 17:11, it is recorded: "Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats."

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Arabians, with their distinct culture and religious practices, were part of the broader tapestry of ancient Near Eastern societies. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about their religious beliefs, it is understood that they practiced polytheism, worshiping a variety of deities associated with natural elements and celestial bodies.

Significance in Biblical Narrative

The interactions between the Israelites and the Arabians reflect the complex relationships between the nations of the ancient Near East. The Arabians' role in trade, tribute, and conflict illustrates the interconnectedness of these societies and the influence they had on one another. The mention of Arabians in the context of Jehoshaphat's reign underscores the importance of diplomacy and alliances in maintaining peace and prosperity in the region.

Overall, the Arabians are portrayed in the Bible as both adversaries and allies, highlighting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of their interactions with the people of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 17:11
Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... 2. About the same time the Moabites and Ammonites made an expedition against
Jehoshaphat, and took with them a great body of Arabians, and pitched their camp ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning jehoshaphat again.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... nations also continued to love Jehoshaphat, and to be at peace with him. The
Philistines paid their appointed tribute, and the Arabians supplied him every year ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... Jehoshaphat was succeeded in 891 by his son Jehoram, who, though he had seen such ...
to the prophecy of Isaac; next by an in-road of the Arabians and Philistines ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father ... up
against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Joel
... who are represented as gathered together in the valley of Jehoshaphat"ie the ... ninth
century, Judah was invaded by the Philistines and Arabians according to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/joel.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... And Concerning Ismael The Son Of Abraham; And Concerning The Arabians, Who Were ...
Concerning Jehoshaphat The King Of Jerusalem And How Ahab Made An Expedition ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... On the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram, made a beginning (to serve his own ...
But he had children; and of these, we read that the Arabians came up against ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... Rehoboam, Abia, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah; and nine God defended,
viz. ... our book a locality on the east of Jordan, as the Arabians used the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm