from עָרַב; a mosquito (from its swarming); divers sorts of flies, swarm.
Transliteration:ʻârôb
Pronunciation:aw-robe'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6157 (ʻârôb) is derived from the root H6148 (ʻârab), which carries the primary sense of "to mix, mingle, or be intertwined." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding ʻârôb, as it denotes not merely a single species of insect, but a "mixed swarm" or "divers sorts of flies." The base definition suggests "a mosquito (from its swarming)" or "divers sorts of flies, swarm." This implies a collective noun for a dense, overwhelming multitude of flying insects, likely pests, whose impact stems from their sheer number and pervasive presence rather than the specific nature of any one species within the swarm. It conveys the idea of an infestation that is both composite in its makeup and oppressive in its effect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6157 (ʻârôb) appears exclusively in the biblical narrative concerning the fourth plague upon Egypt. It is found in [[Exodus 8:21]], [[Exodus 8:22]], [[Exodus 8:24]], [[Exodus 8:29]], [[Exodus 8:31]], and is recounted in [[Psalm 78:45]] and [[Psalm 105:31]].
In [[Exodus 8]], the ʻârôb is described as a "grievous swarm of flies" ([[Exodus 8:24]]) that invades the houses of Pharaoh and his servants, and the ground on which they stand. The severity of the plague lies in its pervasive nature, disrupting daily life, contaminating food, and causing immense discomfort. A critical aspect of this plague is the explicit distinction made by God: the swarm would afflict all of Egypt, but the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, would be exempt ([[Exodus 8:22]]). This divine discrimination serves as a clear sign that the Lord is at work and that He makes a distinction between His people and the Egyptians. Pharaoh's initial agreement to let the people go ([[Exodus 8:28]]) and subsequent hardening of heart ([[Exodus 8:32]]) highlight the struggle of wills between God and Pharaoh. The Psalms reinforce this event as a powerful act of divine judgment and a demonstration of God's saving power for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root H6148 (ʻârab), from which H6157 is derived, signifying "to mix, mingle, or intertwine." This etymological link reinforces the understanding of ʻârôb as a "mixed swarm" rather than a homogenous group of insects.
Contextually, ʻârôb is one of the ten plagues (H4046, makkâh) inflicted upon Egypt. It stands alongside other insect-related plagues, such as the H3592 (kinnîm), often translated as "gnats" or "lice" (the third plague), which were smaller and more insidious. Unlike the kinnîm, which afflicted both humans and animals, the ʻârôb seems to have primarily targeted the land and its inhabitants in a more visible, overwhelming manner. The concept of "distinction" (H6395, pāḏâ) between Israel and Egypt, first explicitly mentioned with the ʻârôb plague ([[Exodus 8:22]]), becomes a recurring theological motif throughout the plagues, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and His separation of His chosen people.
### Theological Significance
The plague of ʻârôb carries profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Judgment:** It serves as a potent demonstration of God's righteous judgment against Pharaoh's stubbornness and the idolatry of Egypt. The plague targets the very fabric of Egyptian daily life, showcasing the impotence of their gods to protect them from even the smallest of creatures.
2. **Sovereignty over Creation:** God's ability to summon and dismiss such a vast and disruptive swarm highlights His absolute sovereignty over all creation, from the largest beasts to the most minuscule insects. It underscores that all natural phenomena are under His command.
3. **Divine Protection and Distinction:** The explicit exemption of Goshen ([[Exodus 8:22]]) is a powerful testament to God's protective care for His covenant people. It visibly distinguishes between those who serve Him and those who oppose Him, demonstrating His faithfulness to Israel and His justice against Egypt.
4. **Call to Repentance:** Like all the plagues, the ʻârôb was intended to break Pharaoh's hardened heart and compel him to release the Israelites, serving as a divine call to repentance and submission to God's will.
5. **Revelation of Yahweh's Power:** This plague, along with the others, reveals the unparalleled power of Yahweh, challenging and ultimately dismantling the authority and efficacy of the Egyptian pantheon. It demonstrates that the God of Israel is the one true God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6157 (ʻârôb), derived from H6148 meaning "to mix," denotes a "grievous swarm" or "divers sorts of flies." Its primary biblical context is the fourth plague inflicted upon Egypt, as recorded in [[Exodus 8]] and recounted in [[Psalm 78]] and [[Psalm 105]]. This plague was characterized by an overwhelming, mixed multitude of flying insects that infested the land of Egypt, but notably spared the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwelt. Theologically, ʻârôb signifies God's sovereign power over creation, His righteous judgment against Pharaoh's defiance, and His protective distinction for His covenant people. It stands as a testament to the futility of resisting the divine will and the certainty of God's deliverance.
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