arnon Summary and Overview

swift, the southern boundary of the territory of Israel beyond Jordan, separating it from the land of Moab (Deut. 3:8, 16). This river (referred to twenty-four times in the Bible) rises in the mountains of Gilead, and after a circuitous course of about 80 miles through a deep ravine it falls into the Dead Sea nearly opposite Engedi. The stream is almost dry in summer. It is now called el-Mujeb. The territory of the Amorites extended from the Arnon to the Jabbok.

(roaring), the river or torrent which formed the boundary between Moab and the Amorites, on the north of Moab, #Nu 21:13,14,24,26; Jud 11:22| and afterwards between Moab and Israel (Reuben). #De 2:24,36; 3:8,12,16; 4:48; Jos 12:1,2; 13:9,16; Jud 11:13,26| There can be no doubt that the Wady el-Mojeb of the present day is the Arnon. Its principal source is near Katrane, on the Haj route.

AR'NON (noisy), a stream running into the Dead Sea from the east, and which divided Moab from the Ambrites. Num 21:13; Jud 11:18. The Arnon is about 50 miles long; 90 feet wide, and from 4 to 10 feet deep at its mouth; full in winter, but nearly dry in summer; had several fords, Isa 16:2, and "high places," Num 21:28; Isa 15:2; is referred to 24 times in the Bible. Its modern name is el-Mejib. It runs through a deep ravine with precipitous limestone cliffs on either side, in some places over 2000 feet high. Ruins of forts, bridges, and buildings abound on its banks, and fish in its waters; oleanders and almond trees bloom in its valley, and griffons and buzzards may be seen hovering over its cliff's.

("swift, noisy".) The torrent; boundary between Moab and the Amorites on the N., and afterward between Moab and Reuben (Numbers 21:13-14; Numbers 21:24; Numbers 21:26; Deuteronomy 2:24; Deuteronomy 2:36). A branch of the Arnon (Seil es Saideh) flowing N.W. seemingly formed the eastern boundary of Moab (Judges 11:18; 2 Kings 10:33). Aroer was by its northern brink; the ruins still bear. the name. Rising in the Arabian mountains (the branch Sell es Saideh in the mountains of Gilead near Kalaat el Katrane), it flows through the wilderness and falls into the Dead Sea. Now the wady el Mojeb, flowing through a precipitous, rugged, gloomy ravine. The sides are of red and brown sandstone where it meets the Dead Sea; it is 10 feet; deep at that point. The Roman road between Rabba and Dhiban crosses it at two hours' distance from Rabba.