Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The Arkites were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the descendants of Canaan. They are listed among the various Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land before the arrival of the Israelites. The Arkites are believed to have lived in the region of Arka, a city located in the northern part of present-day Lebanon.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to the Arkites is found in the Book of Genesis, where they are mentioned as one of the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. Genesis 10:15-17 states: "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites." Additionally, the Arkites are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:13-15 , which reiterates the genealogy of the Canaanite tribes: "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites." Historical and Geographical Context: The city of Arka, associated with the Arkites, was located near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the city of Tripoli in modern-day Lebanon. This region was part of the larger area known as Phoenicia, which was renowned for its maritime trade and cultural influence in the ancient Near East. Arka itself was a significant city in antiquity, and its strategic location made it an important center for commerce and interaction among various peoples. The Arkites, as inhabitants of this region, would have been part of the broader Canaanite culture, which was characterized by its polytheistic religion and advanced urban development. Cultural and Religious Significance: As Canaanites, the Arkites would have shared in the religious practices common to the region, which included the worship of a pantheon of deities such as Baal, Asherah, and El. The Canaanite religion was often in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh as practiced by the Israelites, leading to frequent conflicts and cultural exchanges between the two groups. The Arkites, like other Canaanite tribes, were eventually displaced or assimilated as the Israelites established control over the Promised Land. The biblical narrative often portrays the Canaanite tribes, including the Arkites, as adversaries of the Israelites, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to remain distinct and faithful to their covenant with God. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly linked to the Arkites is limited, excavations in the region of ancient Arka have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide insight into the Canaanite way of life. These findings include remnants of fortifications, pottery, and religious artifacts that reflect the cultural and economic activities of the time. The study of such archaeological sites helps to illuminate the historical context of the Arkites and their interactions with neighboring peoples, contributing to a deeper understanding of the ancient Near Eastern world as described in the biblical narrative. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Genesis 10:17; 1 Chronicles 1:15), a designation of certain descendants from the Phoenicians or Sidonians, the inhabitants of Arka, 12 miles north of Tripoli, opposite the northern extremity of Lebanon. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Belonging to the ark.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARKITEark'-it (`arqi): An inhabitant of the town of Arka, situated some ten or twelve miles Northeast of Tripolis, Syria, and about four miles from the shore of the sea. The Arkites are mentioned in Genesis 10:17 and 1 Chronicles 1:15 as being the descendants of Canaan, and they were undoubtedly of Phoenician stock. The place was not of much importance, but it is mentioned in the Assyrian inscriptions, under the name Irkatah and taken by Tiglathpileser III in 738 B.C. Not being on the sea its trade was small and it probably belonged to Tripoli or Botrys originally. It was the birthplace of Alexander Severus, hence its Roman name, Caesarea Libani. Its site is marked by a high mound near the foothills of Lebanon. Strong's Hebrew 6208. Arqi -- descendant of Canaan, inhab. of the city of Arka... of the city of Arka. Transliteration: Arqi Phonetic Spelling: (ar-kee') Short Definition: Arkite. ... of the city of Arka NASB Word Usage Arkite (1), Arkites (1). ... /hebrew/6208.htm - 6k 757. Arki -- a native of a place in Palestine Library Chapter x [Endnotes] An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Thesaurus Arkite (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARKITE. ...Arkite (7 Occurrences). Genesis 10:17 the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) ... /a/arkite.htm - 9k Arkites (3 Occurrences) Sinite (2 Occurrences) Sinites (2 Occurrences) Hivites (24 Occurrences) Hivite (25 Occurrences) Ark-cover (21 Occurrences) Genealogy (29 Occurrences) Canaan (102 Occurrences) Canaanites (63 Occurrences) Resources Arkite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Arkite (7 Occurrences)Genesis 10:17 2 Samuel 15:32 2 Samuel 16:16 2 Samuel 17:5 2 Samuel 17:14 1 Chronicles 1:15 1 Chronicles 27:33 Subtopics Related Terms |