This polis is located on the brow of the Arnon (K. 10:15) and probably still exists with its traditional name at 'Ara 'ir . Archaeological excavation shows it was weak in 4th Century A.D. The biblical information from Numbers 21:26, Deuteronomy 2:9 and Joshua 13:25 is summarized by Eusebius, with real additions.
There are three or four biblical places with this same name. Jerome has three entries in Hebrew Names : "lightening or emptying of the watch or shell" (79), "cover of the guard or spread out the watch"(88) or "covered"(125).
In this entry polis in Eusebius becomes one of the few instances where it is translated by oppidum in Latin (cf. 10:25 and Appendix I). This and next entry are out of order and suspect as late additions.
24. Astarōth. Deuteronomy 1:4; K. 12:11; L. 235:35.
Astarōth occurs often in the Onomasticon (K. 6:4, K. 12:27, K. 112:3). Here the references in scripture are summarized (Joshua 12:4, 13:31). The Old Testament site is perhaps Tell 'ashtarah which is too far from Dera to fit the Onomasticon . But nine miles closer could be Tell el Yaduda or el Muzeirib .
The "another" above refers to K. 6:4 and with no location is without any identification (cf. also K. 112:3).
Astaroth and Edrai were the major cities of Bashan. Adraa is at der'at located by the
Tabula Peutinger as 24 miles from Bostra (cf. K. 84:9) but 25 miles here. Valerian made Adraa a city in status. For Bostra see also K. 46:10. There was a bishop in Adra in the 4th and 5th centuries.
Batanaia is the all-inclusive name for the territory which includes Trachonitis (K. 166:1) as well as the Gaulon (K. 64:6). Perhaps also it is to be identified with part of Itouraia (K. 110:26). The relationship of these with the several regions of Arabia is unclear. In Herod's time Dera was the east border of Batanaia, but it was in Nabatean or Syrian control in the 4th century.
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names "sheepfold or the spies act" (61).
25. Agrou skopia. Numbers 23:14; K. 12:16; L. 235:40.
In one text the Latin adds "is" a mountain.
This is not an original entry. Apparently Onomasticon identifies it with Phasgo (16:24), Phasga (168:28) and Pogor (168:25 cf. 170:13). The location is not readily fixed. The Hebrew and the Confraternity Translation suggest "hill of cursing" for the Greek "peak of the hewn."
26. Arabōth Mōab. Numbers 26:3; K. 12:20; L. 236:44.
Textual variants: Iebous (Greek) and Esbon (Latin).
The synonym used by Aquila and Symmachus are repeated in Procopius 992A. They are probably correct and so no confusion of this "place" arises with Ar Moab (K. 10:25). See below on Iordan (K. 104:20), Iericho (K. 104:25), Libias (K. 44:17 and K. 48:15), and Esbous (K. 84:1). For Phogor (cp. 168:25), this is probably a late addition to the text.
27. Araba. Deuteronomy 1:1; K. 12:25; L. 236:49.
See below K. 16:12 and K. 90:11.
Hexaplatic information in this entry. Out of order and doubly suspect.
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names Jerome has "west or evening" (86) and "fine" (89).
28. Astarōth (Ataroth). Numbers 32:34; K. 12:27; L. 236:51.
Textual variants: Atarōth (Greek) and Astaroth (Latin).
Probably this is not the same as K. 12:11 above. It is of Gad and not Manassē. Reference to Solomon is in I Chronicles 2:54. Only a generalized biblical location.
The Peraia is always translated by Jerome as Transjordan. In Byzantine times Peraia was continuous with the region of Philadelphia (K. 104:14).
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names "crowns" (79), "crown" (89).