Metaphysical meaning of Arad (mbd)
Arad, a'-rad (Heb.)--fleeing; a fugitive; a wild ass.
a A city of the Canaanites, whose king came out against Israel while the Israelites were in the wilderness on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land (Num. 21:1). This king of Arad took some of the Israelites captive. Then "Israel vowed a vow unto Jehovah, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. And Jehovah hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah" --utter destruction, extermination (Num. 21:2, 3; see also Josh. 12:14 and Judg. 1:16). b A Benjamite, son of Beriah (I Chron. 8:15).
Meta. An aggregation of ignorant, destructive subconscious thoughts about life, they are in opposition to the true, upbuilding thoughts and understanding of man--children of Israel--and so must be overcome (fleeing, a fugitive, a wild ass; a city whose inhabitants fought against Israel). Arad was "in the South," meaning the subconsciousness, and the Canaanites signify in man the elemental life forces in the subconscious mind.
The Arad who was a Benjamite was the son of Beriah (misfortune, evil) and lived in Jerusalem. He represents a negative belief in peace; this negative thought, because of not being positive in knowing the unreality and nothingness of apparent evil, flees from error (fleeing, a fugitive) instead of overcoming it.
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Preceding Entry: Arabians
Following Entry: Arah
