Who Was Arba?
Arba appears in Scripture as a significant figure in the pre-Israelite history of Canaan. He was the father of Anak, whose descendants—the Anakim—became known throughout Israel's conquest narratives as formidable giants who occupied the land. The name Arba itself means "four," though the exact significance of this numerical designation remains debated among scholars. What we know with certainty is that Arba represents the ancient pagan inhabitants whom God was preparing to displace through His chosen people.
The most direct reference to Arba appears in Joshua 15:13, where we learn that Hebron was formerly called Kirjath-arba, meaning "the city of Arba." This naming convention reveals how thoroughly Arba's legacy had stamped itself upon the land. Hebron was one of the most important cities in Canaan, and its association with Arba demonstrates that he was no minor figure but rather a patriarch of considerable influence among the pre-Israelite peoples. Later, in Joshua 21:11, we see this same city transferred to the priests of Israel, marking a symbolic transition from pagan to covenant ownership.
Arba and the Anakim
Understanding Arba requires grasping the broader context of the Anakim, his descendants. Numbers 13:33 recounts how the Israelite spies reported seeing giants in Canaan, men of great stature descended from Anak. These giants represented one of the most intimidating obstacles to Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. The very name Anakim—literally meaning "long-necked ones"—suggests their imposing physical presence that struck fear into the hearts of those who beheld them. Yet despite their size and strength, they could not withstand the God of Israel.
The lineage from Arba through Anak to the various giants scattered throughout Canaan demonstrates a spiritual principle: human strength and dominance mean nothing when opposed to God's purposes. Arba's descendants occupied fortified cities and seemed immovable, yet Joshua's conquest narrative shows how systematically the Lord gave Israel victory over these giants. In Joshua 14:12-15, we read of Caleb's claim to Hebron itself—Kirjath-arba—and his confidence that despite the giants, the Lord would give him the mountain. This confidence was rewarded, demonstrating that faith in God's power supersedes any earthly giant or obstacle.
Lessons for Our Faith Today
As believers, Arba and the Anakim teach us that no earthly power or opposition can thwart God's sovereign purposes. Just as the giants of Canaan seemed impossibly large but fell before Israel's obedient faith, our own "giants"—whether fears, addictions, injustices, or worldly opposition—pale in significance before our almighty God. The very fact that Scripture preserves Arba's name and legacy reminds us that God sees all history, remembers all peoples, and remains absolutely in control of every age and nation.
When we face our own mountains of difficulty, we can take courage from Caleb's example. He didn't deny the giants' existence; he simply trusted in God's sufficiency. This is the faith that transforms us from spiritual fearfulness into courageous witnesses of Christ in our Canadian context and beyond.
Joshua 14:12 - "Now therefore give me this mountain of which the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out." (KJV)