the Exodus the number of males above twenty years capable of bearing
arms was 600,000 (Exodus 12:37). In David’s time it mounted to the
number of 1,300,000 (2 Samuel 24:9).
- ARNON swift, the southern boundary of the territory of Israel beyond
Jordan, separating it from the land of Moab (Deuteronomy 3:8, 16). This
river (referred to twenty-four times in the Bible) rises in the mountains of
Gilead, and after a circuitous course of about 80 miles through a deep
ravine it falls into the Dead Sea nearly opposite Engedi. The stream is
almost dry in summer. It is now called el-Mujeb. The territory of the
Amorites extended from the Arnon to the Jabbok. - AROER ruins. (1.) A town on the north bank of the Arnon
(Deuteronomy 4:48; Judges 11:26; 2 Kings 10:33), the southern boundary
of the kingdom of Sihon (Joshua 12:2). It is now called Arair, 13 miles
west of the Dead Sea.
(2.) One of the towns built by the tribe of Gad (Numbers 32:34) “before
Rabbah” (Joshua 13:25), the Ammonite capital. It was famous in the
history of Jephthah (Judges 11:33) and of David (2 Samuel 24:5). (Comp.
Isaiah 17:2; 2 Kings 15:29.)
(3.) A city in the south of Judah, 12 miles south-east of Beersheba, to
which David sent presents after recovering the spoil from the Amalekites
at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:26, 28). It was the native city of two of David’s
warriors (1 Chronicles 11:44). It is now called Ar’arah.