Argob
“Stony or heap of stones”
Summary
A region in Bashan east of the Jordan containing sixty fortified cities, and also possibly the name of a man slain with King Pekahiah.
☩The Region
Argob was a district in Bashan beyond the Sea of Galilee, originally ruled by Og and containing sixty great and fortified cities. This territory was conquered by Moses and later assigned to Jair of Manasseh. The region is identified with the Trachonitis of later times and is now known as el-Lejah, a remarkable plateau of basalt covering about 22 miles north to south and 14 miles east to west.
☩Physical Description
The region is composed of black basalt that appears to have issued from the earth in a liquid state and solidified while flowing. The surface is violently agitated and shattered by internal convulsions, filled with pits and air-bubbles, and as hard as flint. Despite its forbidding terrain, this district is studded with ancient deserted cities and villages, all solidly built. A Roman road ran through from south to north.
☩Argob the Person
A person named Argob is mentioned in connection with the assassination of King Pekahiah of Israel by Pekah. It is debated whether Argob was an accomplice of Pekah in the conspiracy or one of Pekahiah's officers slain with the king.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Argob," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Argob (1)," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Argob," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Argob," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).