### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂrîyʼêl**, represented by `{{H740}}`, is used both as a symbolical name for Jerusalem and as the name of an Israelite. It appears **6 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying significant prophetic weight in its primary context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H740}}` is most prominently featured in the book of Isaiah, where it serves as a poetic and symbolic title for Jerusalem. The prophet declares, "**Woe** to **Ariel**, to **Ariel**, the **city** where **David** **dwelt**" [[Isaiah 29:1]], directly linking the name to the historic capital. In this context, God proclaims that He will **distress** **Ariel** and bring **heaviness** and **sorrow** upon it [[Isaiah 29:2]]. However, there is also a promise that the **multitude** of **nations** that **fight** against **Ariel** will ultimately be like a **dream** of a **night** **vision** [[Isaiah 29:7]]. In a different context, a man named **Ariel** is listed among the **chief men** sent for by Ezra [[Ezra 8:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of **ʼĂrîyʼêl**:
* `{{H1945}}` **hôwy** (Woe): This word of lament or warning introduces the prophecy against Jerusalem, setting a somber tone for the message directed at **Ariel** [[Isaiah 29:1]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The connection to **David** is crucial for identifying **Ariel** as Jerusalem, described as the **city** where **David** **dwelt** [[Isaiah 29:1]].
* `{{H7151}}` **qiryâh** (city): This term explicitly defines **Ariel**'s identity in the Isaiah passages, confirming it refers to a specific urban center [[Isaiah 29:1]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (chief): This word defines the status of the Israelite named **Ariel** in the book of Ezra, where he is identified as one of the "**chief men**" [[Ezra 8:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H740}}` is centered on its use in Isaiah's prophecy.
* **Divine Accountability:** The cry of "**Woe** to **Ariel**" demonstrates that even God's chosen **city**, the center of worship where **sacrifices** were offered, is subject to divine judgment for its complacency [[Isaiah 29:1]].
* **Sovereign Distress:** God is presented as the direct agent of the city's trouble, stating, "Yet I will **distress** **Ariel**" [[Isaiah 29:2]]. This highlights His sovereignty over the nations and His use of them to enact His purposes.
* **Prophetic Deliverance:** Despite the impending judgment, the name **Ariel** is also associated with a promise of deliverance. The formidable armies arrayed against her will vanish like a **dream**, showing God's ultimate power to save [[Isaiah 29:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H740}}` is a multifaceted word. While it appears once as a personal name for an Israelite leader, its primary significance lies in its symbolic application to Jerusalem. As **ʼĂrîyʼêl**, the city is addressed in a prophecy that encompasses both its esteemed heritage as **David's** dwelling and its profound accountability before God, ultimately marking it for both divine distress and miraculous preservation.
TRV