Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location: Arbela, known in modern times as Erbil or Irbil, is an ancient city located in the region historically known as Assyria, which is part of present-day northern Iraq. The city is situated approximately 50 miles east of the Tigris River and has been a significant urban center since antiquity. Arbela's strategic location on the trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Iranian plateau contributed to its historical importance. Historical Significance: Arbela is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, but it holds historical significance in the broader context of biblical history. The city is noted for its role in various ancient empires, including the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires. It is perhaps most famously associated with the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC, where Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia. Although the battle is often referred to as the Battle of Arbela, it actually took place near Gaugamela, some distance away. Cultural and Religious Context: In the ancient world, Arbela was a center of worship for the goddess Ishtar, reflecting the polytheistic practices of the Assyrian and Babylonian cultures. The city's religious significance is indicative of the broader spiritual landscape of the region, which often stood in contrast to the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. Biblical Context and Interpretation: While Arbela itself is not mentioned in the Bible, the region of Assyria plays a significant role in biblical narratives. Assyria is frequently depicted as an instrument of God's judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel due to their idolatry and disobedience. The prophet Isaiah, for example, speaks of Assyria as the "rod of My anger" (Isaiah 10:5), highlighting the nation's role in divine discipline. The Assyrian conquest and the subsequent exile of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC are pivotal events in biblical history, underscoring themes of judgment, repentance, and the hope of restoration. Arbela, as part of the Assyrian heartland, would have been a witness to these historical and theological developments. Archaeological Insights: Archaeological excavations in and around Arbela have provided valuable insights into the Assyrian civilization, including its architecture, art, and daily life. These findings help illuminate the cultural and historical context of the biblical world, offering a deeper understanding of the environment in which the biblical narratives unfolded. Modern Relevance: Today, Arbela (Erbil) is a thriving city that continues to reflect its rich historical legacy. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of ancient civilizations on contemporary societies and the ongoing relevance of biblical history in understanding the past and present. References in Apocryphal Literature: While not part of the canonical Bible, Arbela is mentioned in some apocryphal texts, such as the Book of Judith, which provides additional context for its historical and cultural significance during the intertestamental period. These references, while not considered authoritative in the same way as the canonical scriptures, offer supplementary insights into the historical backdrop of the biblical era. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARBELAar-be'-la (en Arbelois): This place is mentioned in 1 Maccabees 9:1, and in Ant, XII, xi, 1, describing the march and encampment of Bacchides. The former says that "Demetrius sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea. who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it they slew much people." Josephus says that Bacchides "marched out of Antioch and came into Judea and pitched his camp at Arbela, a city of Galilee, and having besieged and taken those that were there in caves (for many people fled into such places) he removed and made all the haste he could to Jerusalem." It was from the caves near the village of Arbela in Galilee that Herod dislodged the robbers (Ant., XIV, xv, 4; BJ, I, xvi, 2). Josephus fortified the caves of Arbela in lower Galilee (Vita, 37), "near the lake of Gennesar" (BJ, II, xx, 6). The references in Josephus point plainly to the caves in the cliff forming the south wall of the tremendous gorge of Wady el-Chamam which opens on the plain of Gennesaret, west of the village el-Mejdel. A series of these caves, skillfully adapted to purposes of refuge and defense, is still known as Qal`at ibn Ma`an, "fortress of the son of Ma`an." On the height above stand the ruins of Irbid or Irbil (both forms are heard today), which unquestionably represent the Arbela of Josephus. The army from Antioch may quite well have come this way. No name however in the least resembling Masaloth has been recovered in this district. We may mention Robinson's suggestion (BR, II, 398, note), that it may stand for the Hebrew mecilloth, "steps, stories, terraces," and may apply to the fortress in the rocks. Library The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon. The Setting Now, in a Few Days, those Ambassadors whom He had Sent... Now There was one Joseph, the Son of a Female Physician... Herod Takes Sepphoris and Subdues the Robbers that were in the ... That Bacchides was Again Sent Out against Judas; and How Judas ... How Herod Sailed Out of Italy to Judea, and Fought with Antigonus ... Jesus at Capernaum. The Synagogue. Thesaurus Arbela...ARBELA. ar-be'-la (en Arbelois): This place is mentioned in 1 Maccabees 9:1, and in Ant, XII, xi, 1, describing the march and encampment of Bacchides. ... /a/arbela.htm - 9k Mesaloth Beth-arbel (1 Occurrence) Betharbel (1 Occurrence) Galgala Belshazzar (8 Occurrences) Astoreth Astarte (2 Occurrences) Arbite (1 Occurrence) Ashtoreth (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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