Topical Encyclopedia Acrabbim, also known as the Ascent of Acrabbim, is a geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The name "Acrabbim" is derived from the Hebrew word for "scorpions," suggesting a region that may have been known for its rugged terrain or the presence of scorpions.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 34:4 · In the delineation of the southern border of the Promised Land, the Ascent of Acrabbim is mentioned: "Your border will turn from the south to the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and end at Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go to Hazar-addar and over to Azmon." 2. Joshua 15:3 · The Ascent of Acrabbim is also noted in the description of the southern boundary of the tribe of Judah: "Then it proceeded southward to the Ascent of Akrabbim, passed on to Zin, and went up to the south of Kadesh-barnea, then it went on to Hezron, up to Addar, and turned to Karka." 3. Judges 1:36 · The boundary of the Amorites is described as extending from the Ascent of Acrabbim: "The border of the Amorites ran from the Ascent of Akrabbim to Sela and beyond." Geographical and Historical Context: Acrabbim is traditionally identified with a series of ridges or a pass located in the Negev desert, south of the Dead Sea. This area served as a natural boundary and a strategic point of passage between the southern desert regions and the more fertile areas to the north. The Ascent of Acrabbim would have been a significant landmark for travelers and traders moving through the region. The mention of Acrabbim in the context of tribal boundaries highlights its importance in defining the territorial limits of the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. The rugged nature of the terrain may have served as a natural defense against incursions from neighboring peoples. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the Ascent of Acrabbim represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land that his descendants would inherit. The specific mention of geographical landmarks in the Bible underscores the historical and tangible nature of God's covenant with Israel. The boundaries, including Acrabbim, were not arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting God's sovereignty and faithfulness in establishing His people in the land He had promised them. In summary, Acrabbim serves as a testament to the historical reality of the biblical narrative and the faithfulness of God in guiding and establishing the nation of Israel according to His divine plan. Smith's Bible Dictionary AcrabbimSee MAALEH-ACRABBIM, (Joshua 15:3) in the margin. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACRABBIMak-rab'-im: Incorrect transliteration of `aqrabbim, of Joshua 15:3 in the King James Version. See AKRABBIM. Thesaurus Acrabbim... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACRABBIM. ak-rab'-im: Incorrect transliteration of `aqrabbim, of Joshua 15:3 in the King James Version. See AKRABBIM. ... /a/acrabbim.htm - 6k Maaleh-acrabbim (1 Occurrence) Maalehacrabbim (1 Occurrence) Akrabbim (3 Occurrences) Acre (1 Occurrence) Maaleh-akrabbim (1 Occurrence) Acrabattene Suph (9 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |