Topical Encyclopedia Aroer is a significant location mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the territories east of the Jordan River. It is often identified with two distinct sites: one in the territory of Reuben and another in the region of Gad.1. Aroer in Reuben: This Aroer is located on the northern edge of the Arnon Gorge, marking the southern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. It is mentioned in the context of the conquest of the Amorite king Sihon by the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 2:36, it is stated, "From Aroer, which is on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, and from the city in the gorge, even as far as Gilead, there was not a city that was too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them." 2. Aroer in Gad: Another Aroer is located in the territory of Gad, near Rabbah of the Ammonites. This site is mentioned in the context of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 13:25 notes, "Their territory was Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites, as far as Aroer, which is east of Rabbah." Aroer is also referenced in the prophetic literature, where it symbolizes desolation and judgment. Isaiah 17:2 states, "The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be for flocks, which will lie down, with no one to make them afraid." Nebo Nebo is a location and a name with significant biblical associations, primarily linked to the region of Moab and the tribe of Reuben. 1. Mount Nebo: This is perhaps the most well-known reference, as it is the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Deuteronomy 34:1 records, "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land." 2. City of Nebo: Nebo is also a city in the territory of Reuben, captured from the Moabites. It is mentioned in Numbers 32:3, where the Reubenites and Gadites express their desire to settle in the land, saying, "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon." 3. Prophetic References: Nebo is mentioned in the context of judgment against Moab. Isaiah 15:2 states, "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." Baal-meon Baal-meon, also known as Beth-baal-meon, is a city located in the territory of Reuben, east of the Jordan River. It is associated with the worship of Baal, as indicated by its name. 1. Territorial Allotment: Baal-meon was one of the cities built by the tribe of Reuben after they settled in the land taken from the Amorites. Numbers 32:38 mentions, "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they built." 2. Prophetic Judgment: Like other cities in Moab, Baal-meon is subject to prophetic judgment. Ezekiel 25:9 declares, "Therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land." 3. Historical Context: The city is often associated with the Moabite Stone, an ancient inscription that provides historical context for the region and mentions Baal-meon as part of the Moabite kingdom. These locations, Aroer, Nebo, and Baal-meon, are integral to the biblical narrative, reflecting the complex history and geography of the ancient Near East as described in the Scriptures. |