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edrei Summary and Overview

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edrei in Easton's Bible Dictionary

mighty; strength. (1.) One of the chief towns of the kingdom of Bashan (Josh. 12:4, 5). Here Og was defeated by the Israelites, and the strength of the Amorites broken (Num. 21:33-35). It subsequently belonged to Manasseh, for a short time apparently, and afterwards became the abode of banditti and outlaws (Josh. 13:31). It has been identified with the modern Edr'a, which stands on a rocky promontory on the south-west edge of the Lejah (the Argob of the Hebrews, and Trachonitis of the Greeks). The ruins of Edr'a are the most extensive in the Hauran. They are 3 miles in circumference. A number of the ancient houses still remain; the walls, roofs, and doors being all of stone. The wild region of which Edrei was the capital is thus described in its modern aspect: "Elevated about 20 feet above the plain, it is a labyrinth of clefts and crevasses in the rock, formed by volcanic action; and owing to its impenetrable condition, it has become a refuge for outlaws and turbulent characters, who make it a sort of Cave of Adullam...It is, in fact, an impregnable natural fortress, about 20 miles in length and 15 in breadth" (Porter's Syria, etc.). Beneath this wonderful city there is also a subterranean city, hollowed out probably as a refuge for the population of the upper city in times of danger. (See BASHAN T0000461.) (2.) A town of Naphtali (Josh. 19:37).

edrei in Smith's Bible Dictionary

(stronghold). 1. One of the two capital cities of Bashan, in the territory of Manasseh east of the Jordan. #Nu 21:33; De 1:4; 3:10; Jos 12:4| In Scripture it is only mentioned in connection with the victory gained by the Israelites over the Amorites under Og their king, and the territory thus acquired. The ruins of this ancient city, still bearing the name Edr'a, stand on a rocky promontory which projects from the southwest corner of the Lejah. The ruins are nearly three miles in circumference, and have a strange, wild, look, rising up in dark, shattered masses from the midst of a wilderness of black rocks. 2. A town of northern Israel, allotted to the tribe of Naphtali, and situated near Kedesh. #Jos 19:37| About two miles south of Kedesh is a conical rocky hill called Tell Khuraibeh, the "tell of the ruin," which may be the site of Edrei.

edrei in Schaff's Bible Dictionary

ED'REI (strength, stronghold). 1. A capital city of Bashan. Num 21:33; Deut 3:1-10. It was in the territory of Manasseh beyond (east of) Jordan. Num 32:33. It is not noticed in later Bible history, although it was an important city until the seventh century of the Christian era. Its ruins, called Edhra, cover a circuit of 3 miles. Without a spring, river, or stream, without access except over rocks and through nearly impassable defiles, without tree or garden, it is a place of security and strength. Among the ruins are remains of churches, temples, and mosques. The place has now about 500 population. 2. A town of Naphtali. Num 19:37. Porter identifies it with Tell Khuraiheh, near Kedesh; Conder with Yater.

edrei in Fausset's Bible Dictionary

("strength".) 1. One of Bashank, two capitals (Numbers 21:33; Deuteronomy 1:4; Deuteronomy 3:10; Joshua 12:4). Mentioned only in connection with the victory over Og, and the acquisition of the Amorite territory. Allotted to Manasseh (Numbers 33:33). Its rains, Edra, stand in black masses, stone roofed and doored houses, of massive walls, on a projection of the S.W. angle of the Lejah or Argob. The site is without water, without access except through rocky defiles, strong and secure, one mile and a half wide by two and a half long, about 25 ft. above the fertile plain. It seems to have been the stronghold of the Geshurites subsequently. 2. A town of Naphtali, near Kedesh (Joshua 19:37). Now Aitherun (Conder).