Topical Encyclopedia The Arnon River, a significant geographical feature in biblical history, is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It served as a boundary line between the territories of Moab and the Amorites and later between Moab and the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The river is noted for its deep gorge and strategic importance in the ancient Near East.Biblical References The Arnon is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 21:13, the Israelites camped by the Arnon, which is described as "the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites." This location marked a significant transition in their journey, as they moved from the wilderness into territories inhabited by other nations. Miracles and Divine Intervention While the Bible does not explicitly record a miracle occurring at the Arnon itself, the events surrounding the Israelites' encounters with the Amorites and their subsequent victories can be seen as acts of divine intervention. In Numbers 21:21-26, the Israelites, under God's guidance, sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, requesting passage through his land. When Sihon refused and attacked Israel, the Israelites defeated him and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok. This victory is attributed to the Lord's support and is seen as a miraculous deliverance and provision for His people. The conquest of the Amorite territory, including the land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, was a fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan. The victory over Sihon is celebrated in a song recorded in Numbers 21:27-30, which highlights the triumph over the Amorites and the capture of their cities. Historical and Theological Significance The Arnon's role as a boundary and its mention in the context of Israel's conquests underscore its importance in the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The victories associated with the Arnon region demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, providing them with land and victory over their enemies. In Deuteronomy 2:24-25, God commands the Israelites to "begin to take possession" of the land and assures them of victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon. This divine assurance and the subsequent victory serve as a testament to God's power and His commitment to His people. Prophetic and Poetic References The Arnon is also mentioned in prophetic and poetic contexts. In Isaiah 16:2, the fleeing Moabites are described as "fluttering birds, scattered from the nest," crossing the fords of the Arnon. This imagery underscores the river's role as a significant geographical marker and a place of transition and refuge. Jeremiah 48:20 similarly references the Arnon in the context of Moab's downfall, highlighting the river's continued significance in the prophetic literature as a symbol of boundary and judgment. Conclusion The Arnon River, while not the site of a specific miracle, is deeply embedded in the narrative of Israel's journey and conquest. Its mention in various biblical texts highlights its importance as a boundary, a site of divine intervention, and a symbol of God's faithfulness to His promises. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 21:14Why it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Reaction against Egypt Resources What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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