the same as עִיר; a city; Ar, a place in Moab; Ar.
Transliteration:ʻÂr
Pronunciation:awr
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָר (ʻÂr), Strong's number H6144, functions primarily as a proper noun, referring to "Ar," a significant city in Moab. While its root meaning is explicitly stated to be "the same as" `{{H5892}}` (ʻiyr), which means "city" or "town," H6144 itself is not used to denote a generic city. Instead, it specifically identifies a particular urban center within the territory of Moab. This etymological connection suggests that "Ar" was recognized as a prominent, perhaps even foundational, urban settlement in the region. Its semantic range is therefore narrow, confined to its role as a geographical identifier for this specific Moabite city.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of Ar is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah, always in reference to its location within Moab.
In the book of Numbers, Ar is identified in relation to the Arnon River, which formed a significant boundary. [[Numbers 21:15]] speaks of "the slope of the wadis that goes down to the seat of Ar and leans to the border of Moab." Later, in [[Numbers 21:28]], it is mentioned in a poetic taunt against Heshbon, where "fire went out from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon; it devoured Ar of Moab, the lords of the high places of the Arnon." This verse suggests a historical event, possibly a conflict, where Ar suffered destruction.
Deuteronomy provides further context regarding Ar's place in the divine allocation of land. Moses reminds Israel that the Lord had commanded them not to provoke or engage the Moabites in battle, "for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot as a possession" [[Deuteronomy 2:9]]. This verse underscores God's sovereignty over nations and their territories, establishing the Moabites' claim to Ar as divinely ordained. This command is reiterated in [[Deuteronomy 2:18]] and [[Deuteronomy 2:29]], emphasizing Israel's obligation to respect the boundaries set by God.
In the prophetic book of Isaiah, Ar reappears in a pronouncement of judgment against Moab. [[Isaiah 15:1]] states, "The oracle concerning Moab. Surely in a night Ar of Moab is devastated and ruined; surely in a night Kir of Moab is devastated and ruined." This passage foretells a swift and complete destruction for Ar, highlighting the transience of human strongholds in the face of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H6144 (ʻÂr) is `{{H5892}}` (ʻiyr), meaning "city" or "town." The definition of H6144 explicitly states its connection to this more common term, suggesting that Ar was named for its urban character.
Other related concepts include:
* **Moab:** The nation and territory to which Ar belonged. The relationship between Israel and Moab was complex, marked by both commanded non-aggression and later conflict.
* **Arnon River:** A significant geographical feature often mentioned in conjunction with Ar, serving as a natural boundary.
* **Divine Boundaries:** The concept that God establishes and respects the territorial limits of various nations, as seen in the command to Israel regarding Moab's land.
* **Judgment:** The prophetic pronouncements against Ar and Moab in Isaiah connect the city to themes of divine wrath and the downfall of nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ar lies primarily in its role within God's sovereign ordering of nations and His guidance of Israel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Boundaries:** The command in Deuteronomy not to dispossess the Moabites of Ar ([[Deuteronomy 2:9]]) reveals God's meticulous care in assigning territories to various peoples, even those outside the Abrahamic covenant. It demonstrates that God's authority extends over all nations and their lands, and He sets boundaries that His people are commanded to respect. This speaks to a broader theological principle of divine order and justice in the world.
2. **God's Provision and Protection for Israel:** By directing Israel away from conflict with Moab over Ar, God ensured their safe passage through the wilderness and provided for their needs without unnecessary bloodshed. This highlights God's faithfulness in leading His people according to His specific plan.
3. **Prophetic Judgment:** The oracle in Isaiah concerning Ar's devastation ([[Isaiah 15:1]]) serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of national sin and the ultimate transience of human power and security. It underscores the biblical theme that all nations are accountable to God, and those who oppose His will or disregard His moral order will face judgment. Ar, as a prominent Moabite city, becomes a symbol of this inevitable divine reckoning.
### Summary
H6144, עָר (ʻÂr), is a proper noun referring to "Ar," a significant city in Moab. While its name is etymologically linked to the Hebrew word for "city" (`{{H5892}}`), its biblical usage is exclusively as a geographical identifier. Ar is prominently featured in the narratives of Israel's wilderness wanderings, specifically as a divinely appointed possession of the Moabites, which Israel was commanded not to conquer. This highlights God's sovereign establishment of national boundaries and His faithful guidance of Israel. Furthermore, prophetic literature, such as Isaiah, foretells Ar's destruction, serving as a theological reminder of divine judgment against nations. Thus, Ar stands as a testament to God's authority over all peoples and His meticulous plan for history.
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