Arumah Explained

Arumah a biblical toponym mentioned in the Book of Judges (9:41):^[1] "Then Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his clan out of Shechem." The reference is in the context of story describing a local revolt against Abimelech, the king of Shechem by Gaal the son of Ebed.

Possible locations

Duma

See main article: Duma, Nablus. It has been suggested that Arumah was located at Duma, Nablus.^[2]

Khirbet el-'Ormeh

See main article: Khirbet el-'Ormeh. Charles William Meredith van de Velde passed by Khirbet el-'Ormeh in 1851/2, and noted "I believe I may recognise the Arumah of Judges ix 41".^[3]

Bibliography

• Book: Velde, van de, C.W.M.. Charles William Meredith van de Velde . Narrative of a journey through Syria and Palestine in 1851 and 1852. 2 . 1854. William Blackwood and son .

Notes and References

1. 9:41 NIV
2. Carta's Official Guide to Israel and Complete Gazetteer to all Sites in the Holy Land. (3rd edition 1993) Jerusalem, Carta, p.137,
3. Van De Velde, 1854, p. 303 "Amongst others, I noticed from this spot in a westerly direction, at about an hour's distance, a hill top on which are situated the ruins of M-'Arma, in which I believe I may recognise the Arumah of Judges  ix. 41, where Ablmelech remained after he had struck the first blow, and before he destroyed Shechem altogether."