Argob is a region mentioned in the Old Testament, located east of the Jordan River. It is primarily associated with the territory of Bashan, a fertile and strategically significant area known for its rich pastures and strong cities. The name "Argob" itself is thought to mean "stony" or "heap of stones," which may reflect the region's topographical features.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Argob is first mentioned in the context of the conquests of the Israelites under Moses. In Deuteronomy 3:4, the text states, "We captured all his cities at that time; there was not a city that we did not take from them: sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's victory over Og, the king of Bashan, and the strategic importance of Argob within his kingdom.

The region is further described in Deuteronomy 3:13-14, where it is noted that Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took possession of the region: "The rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh—the whole region of Argob, all of Bashan, which is called the land of the Rephaim. Jair the son of Manasseh took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites. He called the villages after his own name, Havvoth-jair, as it is to this day."

Geographical and Cultural Significance

Argob's geographical location made it a significant area for both agriculture and military defense. The region's fertile lands were ideal for grazing livestock, contributing to the wealth and sustenance of its inhabitants. The mention of "sixty cities" in Deuteronomy 3:4 suggests a densely populated and well-fortified area, indicative of its importance in the ancient Near East.

The cultural significance of Argob is also tied to its association with the Rephaim, a group of ancient people mentioned in the Bible as giants or mighty warriors. This connection adds a layer of historical intrigue and suggests that the region was known for its formidable inhabitants.

Tribal Allocation and Legacy

Following the conquest of Canaan, the land of Argob was allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh, as part of the division of territories among the tribes of Israel. This allocation is significant in understanding the tribal dynamics and settlement patterns east of the Jordan River.

The legacy of Argob is preserved in the biblical narrative as a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering the land to the Israelites and as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the people who inhabited it. The region's mention in the context of Israel's conquests serves as a reminder of the divine promise and the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people.Deuteronomy 3:4,13,14
And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, three score cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 4:13
The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, three score great cities with walls and brazen bars:
Nave's Topical Index

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... It is called the Argob in the Old Testament, "an ocean ... loins [The loose skirts worn
in the East required a ... all they of Jerusalem; ^a all the region round about ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... congenial neighbourhood to the east of the Jordan"not close ... and its northern affluents
in the vast region extending to ... one after the other to the east of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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