Bible Dictionary
Akrabbim
Akrabbim, meaning “scorpions,” was an ascent or pass near the southwest end of the Dead Sea. It marked part of the southern boundary of Judah and Israel’s land.
Definition
Akrabbim, meaning “scorpions,” was an ascent or pass near the southwest end of the Dead Sea. It formed part of the southern boundary of Judah and the land of Israel, and also marked a boundary of the Amorites.
Biblical Usage
The “Ascent of the Scorpions” is named in descriptions of Israel’s southern boundary and in the boundary of Judah. It is also associated with the Amorite boundary.
Historical Background
The name reflects the reported abundance of scorpions in the district. The pass lay between the south of the Dead Sea and Zin, and was also called Maaleh-acrabbim. The supplied material notes a victory there by Judas Maccabeus.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Scorpions, probably the general name given to the ridge containing the pass between the south of the Dead Sea and Zin, es-Sufah, by which there is an ascent to the level of the land of Palestine. Scorpions are said to abound in this whole district, and hence the name (Num. 34:4). It is called “Maaleh-acrabbim” in Josh. 15:3, and “the ascent of Akrabbim” in Num. 34:4.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(the ascent of, or the going up to); also MAALEH-ACRABBIM (the scorpion pass), A pass between the south end of the Dead Sea and Zin, forming one of the landmarks on the south boundary at once of Judah, (Joshua 15:3) and of the Holy Land. (Numbers 34:4) Also the boundary of the Amorites. (Judges 1:36) As to the name, scorpions abound in the whole of this district.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ak-rab'-im (once in the King James Version, Acrabbim (Jos 15:3); `aqrabbim, "scorpions"): Three times found (Nu 34:4; Jos 15:3; Jud 1:36), and always with ma`aleh, "ascent" or "pass"; and so "Ascent of the Scorpions," an ascent at the Southwest point of the Dead Sea and a part of the boundary line between Judah and Edom. At this pass Judas Maccabeus won a victory over the Edomites (1 Macc 5:3), called in the King James Version, Arabattine.</p>