Arah אָרַח
A Jewish leader whose daughter married Tobiah's son.
Who is Arah in the Bible?
Arah was a Jewish leader mentioned in Nehemiah 6:18 whose daughter married the son of Tobiah the Ammonite. Tobiah was a prominent enemy of Nehemiah who actively opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 2:10, 19; 4:3, 7). This marriage alliance between Arah's family and Tobiah's son reveals that some Jewish nobles formed compromising relationships with foreign adversaries during the post-exilic period. The connection highlights the internal tensions and divided loyalties among Jewish leaders that complicated Nehemiah's efforts to restore Jerusalem and maintain the community's separation from surrounding nations.
Biography
Arah is briefly mentioned in Neh.6.18 as a Jewish leader whose daughter was married to the son of Tobiah the Ammonite. Tobiah was one of the enemies who opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. Neh.2.10, 19; 4.3, 7). The marriage between Arah's daughter and Tobiah's son suggests that some Jewish nobles had formed alliances with foreign adversaries. This connection may have complicated Nehemiah's task of leading the Jewish people and rebuilding Jerusalem.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 6:18
"For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אָרַח |