### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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