What is the…
Arnon

also known as: Arnon River, Arnon Stream, Wadi al Mujib, Wadi el-Mujib, Wadi Mujib, el-Mujeb

Hebrew: אַרְנוֹן —transliteration: Arnon —meaning: a roaring stream; swift

Meaning:

This river became the southern boundary of the territory of Israel beyond Jordan River, separating Isreal from the land of Moab (Deuteronomy 3:8, 16).

The territory of the Amorites extended from the Arnon to the Jabbok.

The Arnon river (referred to 23-24 times in the Bible) rises in the mountains of Gilead, and through a deep ravine eventually falls into the Dead Sea nearly opposite Engedi (Ein Gedi).

In ancient times the Arnon was apparently more substantial, serving as a clear and obvious boundary for the Israelites, Moabites and Amorites. There were fords (Isaiah 16:2). The meaning of the name indicates it could be a swift, roaring river at times. The book of Numbers refers to “the dominant heights of the Arnon” (Numbers 21:28).

Wadi al Mujib, Jordan—satellite view

Today the Arnon waterflow is conserved. It is located in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and was blocked in 2004 forming a desert lake at the Al Mujib dam. It is now called Wadi al Mujib (aka Wadi Mujib, or el-Mujeb).

The Arnon is tamed by the government of Jordan using the Al Mujib dam, as seen in 2010.
The Arnon is tamed by the government of Jordan using the Al Mujib dam, as seen in 2010. Photo by Bernard Gagnon. License: CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)

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Article Version: July 1, 2024