The term "Dweller of Aroer" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Aroer, a location mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Aroer was a city situated on the northern bank of the Arnon River, marking the southern boundary of the territory of Reuben, one of the tribes of Israel. It is often associated with the region of Moab and the Amorites, reflecting its strategic and contested position in biblical history.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 2:36 · "From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, and from the city in the valley, even to Gilead, there was not a city that was too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them." This passage highlights the conquest of the land by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses, emphasizing the divine assistance they received in overcoming the cities, including Aroer.

2. Joshua 13:9 · "from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, as well as the city in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba as far as Dibon." Here, Aroer is mentioned as part of the land allocated to the tribe of Reuben, indicating its importance in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel.

3. 1 Samuel 30:28 · "to those in Aroer, to those in Siphmoth, to those in Eshtemoa." This verse records the distribution of spoils by David to various cities, including Aroer, after his victory over the Amalekites. It suggests that Aroer was a recognized settlement during the time of David.

4. Jeremiah 48:19 · "Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing and the woman escaping, 'What has happened?'" This prophetic declaration by Jeremiah addresses the inhabitants of Aroer, warning them of impending disaster and urging them to inquire of those fleeing the destruction of Moab.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Aroer was strategically located on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, serving as a frontier city between the territories of Moab and the Israelite tribes. Its position made it a significant military and trade location, often changing hands between different powers in the region. The city's mention in various biblical narratives underscores its role in the unfolding history of Israel and its neighbors.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The references to Aroer and its dwellers in the Bible reflect the broader themes of divine promise, judgment, and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. The city's inclusion in the territorial allotments and its mention in prophetic literature highlight the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency in the biblical narrative.

The "Dweller of Aroer" thus serves as a representative of the broader biblical themes of conquest, settlement, and divine judgment, illustrating the complex history of the ancient Near East as recorded in the Scriptures.