2 Samuel 24:5

in Aroer This Aroer is generally thought to be Aroer near Rabbah in the tribe of Gad (Joshua 13:25): but since it is natural to suppose that the census began from the southern boundary of the Trans-Jordanic territory, which was the river Arnon, and since the city that is in the midst of the ravine is repeatedly mentioned in connexion with Aroer upon the Arnon (Deuteronomy 2:36; Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:16; cp. Joshua 12:2) in describing the southern boundary of the tribe of Reuben, it seems far better to understand Aroer to be the Aroer on the Arnon.

The site of Aroer on the Arnon is marked by the ruins of Ara'aron the northern edge of the Wady Mojeb. This deep gorge in the level plateau is the ravine (E. V. river) of the Arnon. The latest explorer of Moab says: "Above the Roman bridge are some faint remains of early buildings; perhaps -the city that is in the midst of the river." At least it is scarcely possible that such exuberant vegetation, with perennial moisture, should have remained unappropriated in the time of Israel's greatness; and whether the place so vaguely spoken of were above or below the fords; -cities" or villages there were sure to be in the midst of the -river" or wady." Tristram's Land of Moab, p. 128.

on the right side On the south, for the Hebrews reckoned the points of the compass facing the east.

of Gad If the view taken above with regard to Aroer is correct, of Gadmust be separated from the river, and rendered towards Gad. Probably some such words as and they camehave dropped out, as the preposition towardsbefore Jazerrequires a verb of motion. Indeed there are good reasons for supposing that the Heb. text is corrupt, and that we should read with some MSS. of the Sept.: "And they began from Aroer, and from the city which is in the midst of the ravine; and they came to Gad and towards Jazer."

Jazer Or Jaazer, a city captured by Israel from the Amorites (Numbers 21:32), rebuilt by the tribe of Gad (Numbers 32:35; Joshua 13:25), allotted to the Levites (Joshua 21:39), subsequently Moabite (Isaiah 16:8-9), and recaptured by Judas Maccabaeus from the Ammonites (1Ma 5:6). Its site is probably to be placed at es Szîr, 7 miles W.S.W. of Ammân(Rabbah) and 9 miles N. of Heshbon.