Arbela
LocationsGeographical Setting
Arbela is an ancient city located in the region of Gaulanitis, identified with the modern city of Irbid in northern Jordan.
What is the meaning of Arbela in the Bible?
Arbela is a city in Gaulanitis mentioned in 1 Maccabees and the writings of Josephus as a site where the Seleucid general Bacchides established a garrison and engaged in military operations against Jewish forces.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Arbela clarifies the geographical scope of the Maccabean conflicts, illustrating the extent of Seleucid military presence in the Transjordan region and the strategic challenges faced by Jewish resistance movements.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Arbela in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Arbela clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.