The term "Aroerite" refers to an inhabitant or native of Aroer, a city mentioned in the Bible. Aroer is a location of significant historical and biblical importance, situated on the northern bank of the Arnon River, which marked the boundary between the territories of Moab and the Amorites. The city is frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.

Biblical References:

1. Aroer in the Conquest of Canaan:
Aroer is first mentioned in the context of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region. In Deuteronomy 2:36, Moses recounts the victories over the Amorite kings, stating, "From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the city in the gorge, even as far as Gilead, not one city was too strong for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them." This passage highlights Aroer's strategic importance as a fortified city on the edge of the Arnon Gorge.

2. Aroer in the Allotment of Land:
The city of Aroer was allotted to the tribe of Reuben as part of their inheritance in the Transjordan. Joshua 13:16 states, "Their territory was from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the city in the middle of the gorge, and the whole plateau past Medeba." This allocation underscores Aroer's role as a boundary marker and a significant settlement in the Reubenite territory.

3. Aroer in the Time of David:
During King David's reign, Aroer is mentioned in the context of his military campaigns. In 1 Samuel 30:28, Aroer is listed among the places to which David sent spoils from his victory over the Amalekites: "and to those in Aroer, to those in Siphmoth, to those in Eshtemoa." This indicates that Aroer was part of the network of cities allied with or under the influence of David's kingdom.

4. Aroer in Prophetic Literature:
The prophets also mention Aroer in their oracles against foreign nations. Isaiah 17:2 prophesies the desolation of cities, including Aroer: "The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be for flocks, which will lie down, with no one to make them afraid." This prophecy reflects the judgment and desolation that would come upon the region, emphasizing the transient nature of human settlements in contrast to God's eternal sovereignty.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Aroer was a significant city due to its strategic location and its role as a boundary marker. It served as a military and administrative center during various periods of Israelite history. The city's mention in both historical narratives and prophetic literature underscores its importance in the biblical narrative.

The term "Aroerite" would thus refer to individuals associated with this city, either by birth or residence. The Aroerites, like other inhabitants of the Transjordan, would have been part of the complex cultural and political landscape of the region, interacting with neighboring tribes and nations.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological efforts have identified several sites that may correspond to the biblical Aroer, with the most prominent being Khirbet Arair, located near the Arnon River. Excavations in the area have uncovered remains that provide insights into the city's layout and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the Aroerites.

In summary, the Aroerites were integral to the biblical narrative, representing a people connected to a city of both strategic and prophetic importance. Their account is woven into the larger tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan as recorded in the Scriptures.Aroerite

Hothan the Aroerite was the father of two of David's captains. (1 Chronicles 11:44)

AROERITE

a-ro'-er-it (ha-`aro`eri): A native of Aroer. The Aroerite was Hotham, father of two of David's heroes (1 Chronicles 11:44).

6200. Aroeri -- inhab. of Aroer
... inhab. of Aroer. Transliteration: Aroeri Phonetic Spelling: (ar-o-ay-ree') Short
Definition: Aroerite. ... of Aroer NASB Word Usage Aroerite (1). Aroerite. ...
/hebrew/6200.htm - 6kAroerite (1 Occurrence)
...AROERITE. a-ro'-er-it (ha-`aro`eri): A native of Aroer. The Aroerite was Hotham,
father of two of David's heroes (1 Chronicles 11:44). ...
/a/aroerite.htm - 7k

Aro'erite (1 Occurrence)
Aro'erite. Aroerite, Aro'erite. Arom . ... 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite,
Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite; (See RSV). ...
/a/aro'erite.htm - 6k

Aro'er (15 Occurrences)
Aro'er. Aroer, Aro'er. Aroerite . Multi-Version Concordance Aro'er (15 Occurrences). ...
(See RSV). Aroer, Aro'er. Aroerite . Reference Bible.
/a/aro'er.htm - 10k

Hotham (3 Occurrences)
... (2) An Aroerite, father of two of the mighty men of David (1 Chronicles 11:44).
the King James Version, following Septuagint Chothan, has, incorrectly, Hothan. ...
/h/hotham.htm - 7k

Hothan (1 Occurrence)
... (2) An Aroerite, father of two of the mighty men of David (1 Chronicles 11:44).
the King James Version, following Septuagint Chothan, has, incorrectly, Hothan. ...
/h/hothan.htm - 7k

Uzzia (1 Occurrence)
... Uzzia (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/u/uzzia.htm - 6k

Uzzi'a (1 Occurrence)
... Uzzi'a (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite; (See RSV). Uzzia, Uzzi'a. Uzziah . ...
/u/uzzi'a.htm - 6k

Je-i'el (11 Occurrences)
... Maacah: (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel
the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 15 ...
/j/je-i'el.htm - 9k

Jehiel (17 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the
sons of Hothan the Aroerite, (KJV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jehiel.htm - 16k

Jeiel (13 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 11:44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons
of Hotham the Aroerite, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). 1 ...
/j/jeiel.htm - 13k

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