### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂrâbîy**, represented by `{{H6163}}`, is a patrial term for an **Arabian or inhabitant of Arab (i.e. Arabia)**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently identifying a specific people group whose interactions with Israel ranged from hostile opposition to political tribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6163}}` often appears in the context of conflict or opposition, particularly during the time of Nehemiah. The Arabians are listed among those who were "very wroth" `{{H2734}}` and conspired against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls `{{H2346}}` [[Nehemiah 4:7]]. Geshem `{{H1654}}`, a key antagonist, is explicitly identified as "the Arabian" `{{H6163}}` who despised `{{H959}}` and scorned the work [[Nehemiah 2:19]]. The word is also used in historical accounts where the LORD `{{H3068}}` stirred up `{{H5782}}` the Arabians against King Jehoram `{{H3088}}` [[2 Chronicles 21:16]], and in a prophetic image where Israel is compared to an Arabian `{{H6163}}` waiting in the wilderness `{{H4057}}` to commit spiritual whoredoms `{{H2184}}` [[Jeremiah 3:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the roles and actions associated with the Arabians:
* `{{H5571}}` **Çanballaṭ** (Sanballat, a Persian satrap of Samaria): A primary adversary who, along with Tobiah `{{H2900}}` and the Arabians `{{H6163}}`, heard `{{H8085}}` of the rebuilding of the wall `{{H2346}}` and became enraged [[Nehemiah 4:7]].
* `{{H1654}}` **Geshem** (Geshem or Gashmu, an Arabian): He is specifically named as "the Arabian" who joined Sanballat in mocking `{{H3932}}` the Jews and questioning their motives [[Nehemiah 2:19]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (a wall of protection; wall, walled): The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall `{{H2346}}` is the central event that provokes the opposition from the Arabians and their allies in the book of Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 6:1]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (a pasture... a desert... wilderness): This term describes the setting associated with the Arabian, both in Isaiah's prophecy of desolation where they will not pitch a tent [[Isaiah 13:20]] and in Jeremiah's metaphor for Israel's sin [[Jeremiah 3:2]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6163}}` carries several thematic implications in the scriptures.
* **Adversaries to God's People:** The Arabians are frequently portrayed as a source of opposition to Israel's restoration and security. In Nehemiah's time, they actively conspired to stop the divinely sanctioned rebuilding of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 4:7]].
* **Instruments of Divine Will:** Scripture shows that God is sovereign over all nations. The LORD `{{H3068}}` "stirred up" `{{H5782}}` the spirit `{{H7307}}` of the Arabians against Jehoram `{{H3088}}` as an act of judgment [[2 Chronicles 21:16]]. Conversely, God also helped `{{H5826}}` his people against them [[2 Chronicles 26:7]].
* **Symbol of Desolation and Sin:** The presence or absence of the Arabian `{{H6163}}` is used metaphorically. To illustrate Israel's persistent infidelity, Jeremiah compares the nation to an Arabian `{{H6163}}` waiting in the wilderness `{{H4057}}` [[Jeremiah 3:2]]. Isaiah's prophecy of utter ruin states that not even a nomadic Arabian will pitch a tent `{{H167}}` there, signifying total abandonment [[Isaiah 13:20]].
* **A Regional Political Force:** The Arabians are depicted as a recognized regional power. They engaged in military conflict, with a "band of men" `{{H1416}}` slaying the sons of a king [[2 Chronicles 22:1]], and also participated in diplomacy, bringing large flocks `{{H6629}}` of rams `{{H352}}` and he goats `{{H8495}}` as tribute `{{H4853}}` to King Jehoshaphat `{{H3092}}` [[2 Chronicles 17:11]].
### Summary
In summary, the term **ʻĂrâbîy** `{{H6163}}` is more than a simple ethnic label; it identifies a people group whose interactions with Israel serve to highlight key biblical themes. They appear as political enemies, instruments of God's judgment, symbols in prophetic warnings, and neighbors in the ancient world. Their story within the biblical narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use any people to accomplish His purposes, whether through conflict or tribute.
TRV