AROER. - Three biblical localities.
1. A city on the southern frontier of the Amorite kingdom of Sehon, from whom it was taken by the Israelites (Deut. 2, 36; Ios. 12, 2). Rebuilt by the Gadites (Num. 32, 34), it was assigned to the tribe of Ruben (Ios. 13, 9, 16; etc.). Meša, king of Moab, took it from the Israelites and fortified it (Stele of Meša, line 26). It was situated on the banks of the Arnon and is identified with Tell 'Arā'ir, which preserves traces of ancient walls.
2. A frontier city of the tribe of Gad, opposite Rabbah (Ios. 13, 16, 25; Iud. 11, 26, 33) of the Ammonites, present-day 'Ammān. For its identification, Abel proposes Argān north-west of 'Ammān, or Hirbet es-Safrah 7 km. to the east. The A. of II Sam. 24, 5 is disputed.
3. A city of the tribe of Giuda. Situated not far from Bersabea, it is identified with 'Arārah in the wādi of the same name. David sent it gifts after the victory over the Amalekites (I Sam. 30, 28).