### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂrâb**, represented by `{{H6152}}`, refers to **Arabia**, a country East of Palestine. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses**, where it is depicted as a distinct geographical and political entity known for its commerce and royal leadership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6152}}` is consistently associated with wealth, trade, and political power. The `kings` `{{H4428}}` of Arabia are noted for bringing `gold` `{{H2091}}` and `silver` `{{H3701}}` to `Solomon` `{{H8010}}` [[2 Chronicles 9:14]]. The nation's role as merchants is highlighted in Ezekiel, where Arabia and the `princes` `{{H5387}}` of Kedar are described as trading in `lambs` `{{H3733}}`, `rams` `{{H352}}`, and `goats` `{{H6260}}` [[Ezekiel 27:21]]. The region is also identified with desert life, as its kings are mentioned alongside people who `dwell` `{{H7931}}` in the `desert` `{{H4057}}` [[Jeremiah 25:24]]. Finally, Arabia is the subject of divine prophecy, as seen in the phrase, "The `burden` `{{H4853}}` upon Arabia" [[Isaiah 21:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define Arabia's role and character in scripture:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This word is used multiple times to describe the leadership of Arabia, underscoring its status as an organized kingdom that interacts with rulers like Solomon [[2 Chronicles 9:14]].
* `{{H5503}}` **çâchar** (merchant(-man)): This term explicitly defines Arabia's economic activity as a nation of traders and merchants, particularly in livestock [[Ezekiel 27:21]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (desert): This word describes the environment associated with Arabia and its people, connecting it to the vast wilderness regions east of Palestine [[Jeremiah 25:24]].
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): The mention of `gold` `{{H2091}}` brought by Arabia's kings highlights the nation's wealth and its role in international trade and tribute [[2 Chronicles 9:14]].
### Theological Significance
The portrayal of `{{H6152}}` carries several key thematic implications:
* **A Center of Commerce:** Arabia is presented as a hub of economic activity, known for its `merchants` `{{H5503}}` who trade in valuable goods such as livestock and precious metals ([[Ezekiel 27:21]], [[2 Chronicles 9:14]]).
* **A Recognized Political Power:** The repeated mention of its `kings` `{{H4428}}`, `princes` `{{H5387}}`, and `governors` `{{H6346}}` establishes Arabia as a significant political entity in the ancient world, interacting with major powers like Israel.
* **Subject of Divine Judgment:** As the recipient of a prophetic `burden` `{{H4853}}`, Arabia is shown to be within the scope of God's sovereign declarations, signifying that no nation is outside His purview [[Isaiah 21:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6152}}` identifies Arabia as a notable nation in the Old Testament landscape. It is not merely a geographical location but a defined kingdom characterized by its desert environment, its political leadership, and its significant role in ancient commerce. Its inclusion in prophetic burdens also places it firmly within the outworking of God's plans for the nations.
TRV