Arnon(arnon river)
“Roaring or swift, noisy”
Summary
A river and deep ravine forming the boundary between Moab and the Amorites, and later between Moab and Israel's territory.
☩Geographic Significance
The Arnon was a torrent that formed the southern boundary of trans-Jordanic Palestine, separating it from the land of Moab. It flows through an enormous trench, with the southern bank about 2,130 feet deep, creating a tremendous chasm about two miles wide at the top. The modern name is Wady el-Mojeb, which enters the Dead Sea from the east.
☩Historical Boundaries
The Arnon originally formed the boundary between the Amorites to the north and Moab to the south. After Israel's conquest, it became the southern boundary of Reuben's territory. The city of Aroer stood on the northern edge of the valley. Isaiah mentions the fords of the Arnon, suggesting crossing points used for travel and trade.
☩Physical Description
The river rises in the mountains of Arabia and flows through a channel so deep and precipitous as to appear inaccessible. The stream is almost dried up in summer, but huge masses of rock torn from the banks show its fullness in the rainy season. Travelers describe suffocating heat in this valley from the concentrated rays of the sun.
Related Verses23 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Arnon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Arnon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Arnon," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Arnon," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).