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H769 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַרְנוֹן
Arnon
Proper Noun (place)
River Arnon

Definition

The Arnon (אַרְנוֹן) is a major wadi flowing west into the Dead Sea, today known as Wadi al-Mujib in Jordan. It served as the northern boundary of Moab and the southern boundary of the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. The river appears frequently in the Pentateuch and historical books as a key geographical and covenant landmark in Israel's conquest narrative.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Arnon's theological significance is tied to the theme of divine inheritance and boundary. When Israel crossed the Arnon, they were no longer wandering but conquering — God had delivered Sihon into their hand north of the river (Numbers 21:21–30; Deuteronomy 2:24–37). The later tribal allotments set the Arnon as the boundary for Reuben and Gad (Joshua 13), demonstrating God's precise sovereignty over the land. Isaiah 16:2 and Jeremiah 48:20 reference Moab at the Arnon in prophecy.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 21:13 They moved on and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness extending into Amorite territory.
Deuteronomy 2:24 Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite.
Deuteronomy 3:8 We took the territory east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge as far as Mount Hermon.
Joshua 13:9 Their territory went from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge.
Isaiah 16:2 Like fluttering birds pushed from the nest, so are the women of Moab at the fords of the Arnon.

Related Words

External Resources

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