### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂrôwʻêr**, represented by `{{H6177}}`, is a proper name for three places in or near Palestine. The name's definition is "nudity of situation". It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily functioning as a significant geographical marker in the Old Testament narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6177}}` is consistently used to establish territorial boundaries. It is frequently located on the **bank** `{{H8193}}` or **brink** `{{H8193}}` of the **river** `{{H5158}}` **Arnon** `{{H769}}` ([[Deuteronomy 2:36]]; [[Deuteronomy 4:48]]; [[Joshua 12:2]]). It served as a key point in defining the lands ruled by **Sihon** `{{H5511}}` **king** `{{H4428}}` of the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` [[Joshua 12:2]] and the territory subsequently given to the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}` and **Gadites** `{{H1425}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:12]]. Beyond being a border point, it was also a place where people **dwelt** `{{H3427}}`, with associated **towns** `{{H1323}}` [[Judges 11:26]], and was mentioned in a prophecy of becoming **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` [[Isaiah 17:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and significance of **Aroer**:
* **`{{H769}}` ʻArnôwn** (Arnon): Defined as "a brawling stream; the Arnon, a river east of the Jordan," this **river** `{{H5158}}` is the most common landmark associated with **Aroer**, establishing its location "on the bank of the river Arnon" ([[Joshua 12:2]]; [[Joshua 13:9]]).
* **`{{H5892}}` ʻîyr** (city): This word, meaning a **city** or **town**, confirms that **Aroer** was a settled place. It is mentioned as one of the "cities of Aroer" [[Isaiah 17:2]] and as a **city** by the **river** [[Deuteronomy 2:36]].
* **`{{H1366}}` gᵉbûwl** (border): This term highlights the function of **Aroer** as a boundary marker. It is used to define the **coast** `{{H1366}}` of the Gadites [[Joshua 13:25]] and the **border** `{{H1366}}` of the territory ruled by **Sihon** [[Joshua 12:2]].
* **`{{H1568}}` Gilʻâd** (Gilead): **Aroer** is often mentioned in relation to this region east of the **Jordan** `{{H3383}}`. The land possessed by Israel stretched "From Aroer... even unto Gilead" [[Deuteronomy 2:36]] and was a boundary for the land of the **Gadites** `{{H1425}}`, **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}`, and **Manassites** `{{H4520}}` [[2 Kings 10:33]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical and strategic importance of `{{H6177}}` is central to its role in scripture.
* **Territorial Boundary:** **Aroer** is a foundational landmark for the division of land. It marks the starting point of the territory taken from the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` [[Deuteronomy 2:36]] and delineates the inheritance of the tribes of **Reuben** `{{H7206}}` and **Gad** `{{H1410}}` ([[Deuteronomy 3:12]]; [[Joshua 13:16]]).
* **Strategic Encampment:** Its location by the **Jordan** `{{H3383}}` made it a strategic place for armies to **pitch** `{{H2583}}` their camp, as seen when Joab's men camped there [[2 Samuel 24:5]].
* **Prophetic Significance:** **Aroer** is also a subject of divine prophecy. Jeremiah addresses the **inhabitant** `{{H3427}}` of **Aroer**, calling on them to **espy** `{{H6822}}` the fleeing armies [[Jeremiah 48:19]]. Isaiah foretells a time when the **cities** `{{H5892}}` of **Aroer** will be **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` and given over to **flocks** `{{H5739}}` [[Isaiah 17:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6177}}` is much more than a simple place name. It is a critical geographical anchor in the biblical narrative, consistently marking the boundaries of kingdoms and tribal allotments, particularly along the **river** `{{H5158}}` **Arnon** `{{H769}}`. Its role extends from historical land records and military campaigns to being a subject of prophetic judgment. Through **Aroer**, the story of Israel's conquests, settlement, and relationship with its neighbors is grounded in a tangible, identifiable location.
TRV