The Hebrew word ʼĂrubbôwth, represented by H700, is a place name defined as Arubboth, a place in Palestine. The word, which is the plural of אֲרֻבָּה, appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text, identifying a specific location.
The single biblical reference to Aruboth H700 is found in 1 Kings 4:10. This verse lists the administrative districts of King Solomon's kingdom. Aruboth is mentioned as a key location within the territory assigned to "the son of Hesed." This official's jurisdiction also included the nearby location of Sochoh and all the land of Hepher 1 Kings 4:10.
Several related words appear in the same verse, providing geographical and genealogical context:
- H1136 Ben-Cheçed (son of kindness; Ben-Chesed, an Israelite; the son of Hesed): The official who was in charge of the region that included Aruboth 1 Kings 4:10. The name itself incorporates H2618.
- H2618 Cheçed (favor; Chesed, an Israelite; Hesed): The father of the administrator assigned to Aruboth, identified as Hesed in the text 1 Kings 4:10.
- H7755 Sôwkôh (Sokoh or Soko, the name of two places in Palestine; Shocho, Shochoh, Sochoh, Soco, Socoh): A location that was grouped with Aruboth in the same administrative district 1 Kings 4:10. It is also mentioned as a city in the territory of Judah Joshua 15:35.
- H2660 Chêpher (a pit of shame; Chepher, a place in Palestine; also the name of three Israelites; Hepher): The land of Hepher was part of the district. The name also refers to a king defeated by Joshua Joshua 12:17 and an ancestor in the tribe of Manasseh Numbers 27:1.
- H776 ʼerets (the earth (at large, or partitively a land); ... country, earth, field, ground, land): This common word for "land" or "country" is used to describe the territory of Hepher associated with Aruboth 1 Kings 4:10. It is the same word used in the opening of scripture to refer to the earth Genesis 1:1.
While not a term of direct theological weight, the mention of H700 is significant for what it reveals about the biblical world.
- Administrative Record: Its inclusion in the list of Solomon's districts highlights the detailed and organized system of governance and supply for the kingdom.
- Geographical Specificity: Aruboth serves as a precise geographical marker, grounding the biblical narrative in a real-world map of ancient Israel.
- Historical Detail: The reference demonstrates the thoroughness of the biblical record, which preserves not only major events but also the administrative and civil details of its time.
In summary, H700 ʼĂrubbôwth is a specific place name whose importance comes from its context. Its sole appearance in 1 Kings 4:10 functions as a geographical pin in the administrative map of Solomon's kingdom. Though a minor detail, its inclusion provides valuable insight into the structured society of ancient Israel and underscores the historical precision contained within the biblical text.
TRV