Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Arah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and historical records of the Israelites. The name "Arah" is associated with two distinct individuals, both of whom are linked to the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name Arah means "wayfarer" or "traveler," reflecting perhaps a characteristic or the life circumstances of those who bore it. Arah in the Genealogies: 1. Arah the Ancestor of Returnees: Arah is first mentioned in the context of the return from the Babylonian exile. In the book of Ezra, Arah is listed as the head of a family that returned to Jerusalem and Judah with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:5 states, "the descendants of Arah, 775." This indicates that Arah was the progenitor of a significant family group that participated in the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. 2. Arah in Nehemiah's Record: The book of Nehemiah also records the descendants of Arah among those who returned from exile. Nehemiah 7:10 mirrors the account in Ezra, listing "the descendants of Arah, 652." The discrepancy in numbers between Ezra and Nehemiah may be attributed to different stages of the return or variations in record-keeping. Arah in the Context of Marriage Alliances: Arah is also mentioned in the context of marriage alliances during the post-exilic period. In Nehemiah 6:18, it is noted that "many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah." This passage highlights the interconnectedness of the Jewish community through familial and social ties, which were crucial for maintaining unity and identity during the challenging times of rebuilding. Historical and Theological Significance: The mention of Arah and his descendants underscores the importance of family lineage and continuity in the biblical narrative. The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, and the genealogical records serve to affirm the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people. The inclusion of Arah's family among the returnees highlights their role in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Conclusion: While Arah is not a prominent figure in terms of biblical narrative or theological discourse, his mention in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah reflects the broader theme of restoration and faithfulness. The descendants of Arah, like many other families, played a vital role in the physical and spiritual rebuilding of the nation of Israel, contributing to the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ArahSmith's Bible Dictionary Arah(wayfaring).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARAHa'-ra ('arach, "traveler"?): Strong's Hebrew 6169. arah -- bare place... 6168, 6169. arah. 6170 . bare place. Transliteration: arah Phonetic Spelling: (aw-raw') Short Definition: bulrushes. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6169.htm - 6k 6168. arah -- to be naked or bare 717. arah -- to gather, pluck 733. Arach -- perhaps "traveler," an Israelite name 4629. maareh -- meadows 4632. Mearah -- a cave region in Lebanon 6172. ervah -- nakedness 4626. maar -- a bare or naked place 723. urvah -- a manger, crib 7609. Sheerah -- an Ephraimite woman Library Chapter xxxiv Chapter xxiv Thesaurus Arah (3 Occurrences)...ARAH. a'-ra ('arach, "traveler"?): (1) The son of Ulla, an Asherite (1 Chronicles 7:39). ... Multi-Version Concordance Arah (3 Occurrences). ... /a/arah.htm - 7k At'arah (1 Occurrence) Na'arah (3 Occurrences) Naarah (3 Occurrences) Den (19 Occurrences) Tempest (30 Occurrences) Dish (54 Occurrences) Maid (57 Occurrences) Megiddon (1 Occurrence) Maiden (40 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible say what is the proper age for marriage? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Arah (3 Occurrences)Joshua 13:4 1 Chronicles 7:39 Nehemiah 6:18 Subtopics Arah: An Israelite, Whose Descendants Returned from Babylon Arah: An Israelite, Whose Descendants Returned from Babylon: Probably Identcal With Arah In Related Terms |