Who was Arad?

King of the Canaanites

The story of Arad

Arad - 

Arad was a biblical figure who was the son of Beriah and the grandson of Ephra…
Arad - Arad was a biblical figure who was the son of Beriah and the grandson of Ephra…

Arad was a biblical figure who was the son of Beriah and the grandson of Ephraim. He was the father of Achan, who was the first Israelite to be stoned for disobeying God's commandment. Arad was a Canaanite king who lived in the hill country of Judah. He was known for leading a successful campaign against the Israelites, which resulted in the death of many of them. He was eventually defeated by Joshua and the Israelites, and his city was destroyed. Arad is best known for his role in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. He was the first Canaanite king to be defeated by the Israelites, and his defeat marked the beginning of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. He is also remembered for his role in the death of Achan, who was stoned for disobeying God's commandment. Arad was the father of Achan and the grandfather of Ephraim. He had no siblings. He is remembered in the Bible as a powerful Canaanite king who was ultimately defeated by the Israelites. He is best known for his role in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan and for the death of Achan.

Name meaning

The name "Arad" has several potential meanings and origins, depending on cultural and linguistic contexts: 1. **Hebrew Origin**: In Hebrew, "Arad" is a biblical name and refers to a Canaanite city mentioned in the Old Testament. It means "wild donkey" in Hebrew, often symbolizing a free and independent spirit. 2. **Persian Origin**: In Persian, the name "Arad" can mean "pure" or "sacred." 3. **Romanian Context**: Arad is also the name of a city in western Romania. While the city’s name’s meaning is less clear, it is an established geographical reference. 4. **Iranian Influence**: "Arad" might be linked to ancient Indo-Iranian roots, where it can also signify virtues like nobility or bravery, though this is more speculative. The name’s significance can vary widely based on cultural backgrounds, so individuals named Arad might bear a name with different connotations or significance depending on their heritage.

Name origin

Dacian

First mention

Numbers 21:1

Appearances in the Bible

27 mentions

Arad in the Bible

Explore all 5 chapters where Arad appears

Numbers

Chapter 21

The Bronze Serpent

The Israelites defeat King Sihon and King Og, but they also complain and are punished with fiery serpents.

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Numbers

Chapter 33

The Journey of the Israelites

God commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land of Canaan and to divide the land among the tribes.

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Joshua

Chapter 12

List of Conquered Kings

Joshua lists the kings of the land that the Israelites have defeated.

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Judges

Chapter 1

Israel's Continuing Conquest

The Israelites begin to worship other gods, and as a result, God allows them to be oppressed by their enemies.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 8

Descendants of Benjamin

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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