Arumah

Arumah was a small town in the territory of Ephraim, which was used by Abimelech, son of Jerubbaal, to organize his troops and prepare an attack against those who sought to overthrow his reign in Shechem.

It was from this city that King Abimelech launched his attack on the inhabitants of the cities of Shechem and Beth-Milo, against the revolt of Gaal and his family (Judg 9:41).

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History of the town of Arumah

The city of Arumah is only mentioned in Judges 9:41, in the context of the reign of Abimelech, son of Jerubbaal (Gideon).

Origin of Arumah of Ephraim

Due to the lack of information about the city throughout the biblical text, it is difficult to say with any certainty how Arumah was founded. What is most likely is that it was created by the Israelites in the first years of their stay in Canaan, after their conquest of the Promised Land.

Rise of Abimelech

Gaal, son of Ebed, led a rebellion against the government of Abimelech and Zebul, the rulers of the city. During the uprising, King Abimelech fled to the city of Arumah, where he planned and launched a counter-attack against the rebels.

After leading his army from Arumah to Shechem and Beth-Milo, Abimelech managed to contain the revolt. Abimelech destroyed the city and killed its inhabitants. During the chase against the remnants of the rebels in the city of Thebes, King Abimelech was hit by a stone thrown from a mill and later died.

Decline and disappearance of the city of Arumah

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Geography and location of Arumah

The city of Arumah was in the tribe of Ephraim. The region was mountainous and fertile, suitable for agriculture and livestock farming. Despite these economic activities, the city did not play a major role in the regional economy. Its agricultural and livestock activities were more for the subsistence of its inhabitants.

Neighboring towns

The main cities near Arumah, which became important political, religious and cultural centers of Israel at different times, are:

• Shechem;
• Tirza;
• Siló.

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Possible location of Arumah

Arumah is identified as Khirbet el-ʽOrmah (Horvat ʼel-ʽUrmeh), about 8 km southeast of the city of Shechem. This location is in accordance with the biblical narrative, which says that Abimelech fled from Shechem to Arumah, and then returned to attack the city (Judg 9:41-49).

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Meaning of the name Arumah

The name Arumah means “height” or “exalted place” in Hebrew. This city is mentioned only once in the Bible.

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Learn more

[Podcast] Who were the judges? Btcast.

[Video] Who was ABIMELEK? The story of ABIMELEK, the son of GIDEON who killed his 70 BROTHERS. Canal Ilustrarrando.

[Video] Judges. Bible Project.

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