Bible Dictionary
ATHARIM
Atharim is understood either as a place or as “the way of the spies.” It was the route where the king of Arad attacked Israel and took captives during Israel’s wilderness journey.
Definition
Atharim is understood either as a place or as a designation meaning “the way of the spies.” It identifies the route where the king of Arad fought Israel.
Biblical Usage
The king of Arad attacked Israel on this route and took some Israelites captive during their wilderness journey.
Historical Background
The Revised Version treats Atharim as a place, while the King James Version follows interpretations that connect the term with spies. Another proposal understands it as a caravan path.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ath'-a-rim (`atharim): the Revised Version (British and American) "The way of Atharim"; the King James Version "The way of the spies." the Revised Version (British and American) regards Atharim as a place (so Septuagint). the King James Version follows Syriac and Targum, rendering Atharim as if Tarim = spies. Dillmann translates "the caravan path," connecting it with Arabic athar, "a track or footprint." Here the king of Arad fought against Israel, taking some captives (Nu 21:1).all official records and legal documents of the time of Charles II of England from the death of Charles I. See HORMAH.</p>