The Arkites were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham and grandson of Noah. They are specifically listed among the Canaanite tribes in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10. The relevant passage states: "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites" (Genesis 10:15-17). This genealogical record places the Arkites within the broader context of the Canaanite peoples, who inhabited the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest.

The Arkites are believed to have lived in the region of Arka, a city located in the northern part of ancient Phoenicia. This area is near the modern-day town of Tell Arqa in Lebanon. The city of Arka is mentioned in ancient Egyptian and Assyrian texts, indicating its historical significance and interactions with surrounding nations.

In the biblical narrative, the Canaanites, including the Arkites, are often depicted as inhabitants of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. The presence of these various tribes, including the Arkites, posed significant challenges to the Israelites as they sought to settle in the Promised Land. The Arkites, like other Canaanite tribes, were known for their idolatrous practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

The Arkites, along with other Canaanite tribes, were subject to divine judgment due to their idolatry and moral corruption. This is reflected in the biblical mandate given to the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan. In Deuteronomy 7:1-2, the Lord commands the Israelites: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction" .

The Arkites, as part of the Canaanite confederation, were thus included in the divine directive for the Israelites to conquer and settle the land. The biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commands in order to maintain their covenant relationship with Him and to avoid the corrupting influences of the Canaanite peoples.

While the Arkites are not frequently mentioned in the biblical text, their inclusion in the genealogical and historical records underscores the comprehensive nature of the Canaanite presence in the land and the challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling God's promises. The Arkites, like other Canaanite tribes, serve as a reminder of the historical and spiritual context in which the biblical narrative unfolds, highlighting the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptations of surrounding cultures.Genesis 10:17
And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
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1 Chronicles 1:15
And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
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Chapter x
... Sinite" should, no doubt, be placed near the Arkites. ... incursions from the south into
Canaan in the pre ... Besides, though Shem's descendants are mentioned last, we ...
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