Beth-Arbel
LocationsGeographical Setting
Beth-Arbel was an ancient settlement in the region of Gilead, known for its destruction by the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V.
What is the meaning of Beth-Arbel in the Bible?
Beth-Arbel is identified with the modern city of Irbid in northern Jordan, located approximately 12 miles southeast of the ancient site of Gadara. It is recorded in Hosea 10:14 as the site of a military disaster inflicted by Shalman, an event likely corresponding to the Assyrian campaigns of the late 8th century BCE.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of Beth-Arbel clarifies the historical context of the Assyrian threat to the northern kingdom of Israel, illustrating how the prophet Hosea used recent military trauma to warn Judah of similar consequences for relying on political alliances rather than divine protection.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Beth-Arbel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beth-Arbel 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.