Ariel
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ariel in the Bible?
Ariel appears in the Hebrew Bible as a Moabite man whose two sons were slain by David's warrior Benaiah, and also as a poetic name applied to Jerusalem in prophetic texts. Additionally, Ariel is listed among the members of the delegation sent by Ezra to secure temple ministers for his expedition to Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the dual usage of the name Ariel helps readers distinguish between historical individuals from neighboring nations and the theological personification of Jerusalem, clarifying the text's distinction between literal history and symbolic prophecy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Ariel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ariel 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.