Aroer is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, located in the territory of the Amorites, near the valley of the River Arnon. This city holds significant historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land and subsequent events involving the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Geographical and Historical Context

Aroer was strategically situated on the northern edge of the Arnon Gorge, which served as a natural boundary between the territories of Moab and the Amorites. The city is often associated with the region of Gilead and the land east of the Jordan River. Its location made it a key site for controlling the trade routes and military movements in the area.

Biblical References

Aroer is first mentioned in the context of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region. In Deuteronomy 2:36 , Moses recounts the victory over King Sihon of the Amorites, stating, "From Aroer on the rim 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."

The city is also noted in the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 13:9 , the territory of Aroer is described as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben: "Their territory was from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the city in the middle of the gorge, and the entire plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon."

Aroer and Hazael

Aroer later becomes significant in the narrative of the Aramean king Hazael's military campaigns. In 2 Kings 10:32-33 , it is recorded that Hazael, king of Aram, attacked Israelite territories east of the Jordan: "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward—all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites—from Aroer by the Arnon Gorge through Gilead to Bashan."

This passage highlights the vulnerability of the Israelite territories during the period of the divided monarchy and the external threats they faced from neighboring kingdoms.

Archaeological and Cultural Significance

While the exact location of Aroer has been a subject of debate, it is generally identified with the modern site of 'Ara'ir in Jordan. Archaeological findings in the region have provided insights into the ancient cultures that inhabited the area, including the Amorites and later the Israelites.

Aroer's mention in various biblical narratives underscores its role as a significant landmark in the history of Israel and its interactions with surrounding nations. The city's repeated appearance in the biblical text reflects its importance in the geopolitical and spiritual landscape of the ancient Near East.2 Kings 10:33
From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.
Nave's Topical Index

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... This ancient city, seated on the banks of the ... Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, Mahallat, Maiza,
Kaiza, the Amorites and Arvad ... the fertile fields of its valley, whose wealth ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The walls of the city fell of themselves at the ... in the engagement; at all events,
the Amorites were routed ... Issachar so was Barak,"into the valley they rushed ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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