Sunday, June 24, 2007

Biblical Archaeology in a Day, Site VI~Aroer

Biblical Archaeology in a Day, Site I~ Tell Al'Umeiri
Biblical Archaeology in a Day, Site II~ Ataroth
Biblical Archaeology in a Day, Site III~Machaerus
Biblical Archaeology in a Day, Site IV~ Khirbet Iskander
Biblical Archaeology in a Day, Site V~Dibon


"From Aroer, which is on the edge of the Valley of the Arnon..." Deut. 2:36

Also mentioned in the Mesha Stele (line 26) as being built by the Moabites is the ancient settlement of Aroer. Next to rule over Aroer, was Sihon, king of the Amorites. When Sihon would not allow the wandering Israelites to pass through his territory, going out against them in battle, the Israelites fought and defeated Sihon and his army and "took possession of his land from the Arnon(river) to the Jabbok, as far as to the Ammonites, for the border of the Ammonites was strong. (Numbers 21:24)

Fast forward to the Jehu, king of Israel, who though he abolished the Baal worship promoted by King Ahab, nevertheless condoned the sins of a previous king, Jeroboam--worship of the golden calves in Bethel and in Dan. (II Kings 10:29)

"In those days the Lord began to cut off parts of Israel. Hazael (Aramean king of Syria) defeated them throughout the territory of Israel: from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the Valley of the Arnon, that is Gilead and Bashan" (II Kings 32-33).

The prophet Jeremiah's prophesy of God's judgment on Moab indicates that Aroer and the surrounding area came once again under the control of the Moabites: "Stand by the way and watch, O inhabitant of Aroer! Ask him who flees and her who escapes; say, 'What ha happened?' Moab is put to shame for it is broken; wail and cry! Tell it beside the Arnon, that Moab is laid waste." (Jeremiah 48:19-20)

The Grand Canyon of Jordan
The Arnon River, Mujib Dam, Wadi Mujib


Life among the ruins

These puppies weren't the only life we met at the ruins of Aroer; a bedouin family was camped near by. These puppies looked to belong to one of the dogs we saw sleeping near their tents. The wise mother housed her large litter in the cool shelter of a small cave. The children among us were charmed.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The pics are so amazing!! Thanks for sharing!