Original Word: אָרָבה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: orobah
Pronunciation: o-re-VAH
Phonetic Spelling: (or-ob-aw')
KJV: spoils
NASB: trickery
Word Origin: [feminine of H696 (אוֹרֶב - ambush) (only in the plural)]

1. ambuscades

spoils

Feminine of 'oreb (only in the plural); ambuscades -- spoils.

see HEBREW 'oreb

Word Origin
from arab
Definition
an artifice
NASB Translation
trickery (1).

[אָרְבָּה noun feminine artifice, plural construct אָרְבוֺת ידיו Isaiah 25:11 (literally tricks of his hands).

Literal Image

אָרָבה depicts the wide, sweeping motion of a swimmer’s arms. In Isaiah 25:11 the term is used figuratively: “He will spread out His hands in its midst, as a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim; He will bring down their pride together with the trickery of their hands” (Berean Standard Bible). The verb conveys vigorous, deliberate action—arms fully extended, pressing through resistance.

Place in Isaiah’s Oracle

Isaiah 24–27 forms a “little apocalypse” that moves from universal judgment to the triumph of Zion. Chapter 25 exalts the LORD for destroying the stronghold of ruthless nations (25:2) and promises a lavish banquet for “all peoples” (25:6). Moab, representing human arrogance, is singled out for humiliation (25:10). Within that scene אָרָבה dramatizes the futility of Moab’s struggle; the swimmer’s frantic strokes cannot keep him afloat against divine judgment. God’s overthrow is not casual but forceful and total, just as the swimmer’s arms cut through water.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty. The LORD, not Moab, controls the flood. Human exertion cannot reverse His decree.
2. Humbling of Pride. Moab’s proud “trickery” is dashed beneath the surface; the verb underscores God’s active role in subduing self-reliance.
3. Salvation through Judgment. The same passage that crushes Moab introduces a feast for the redeemed (25:6-8). The sweeping motion that sinks pride clears the way for universal joy.
4. Symbol of Submersion. The water imagery anticipates New Testament typology: burial with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:3-4) and the deliverance of believers from judgment’s flood.

Historical Backdrop

Moab often opposed Israel (Numbers 22; Isaiah 16). In Isaiah’s time, alliances with foreign powers tempted Judah’s kings. By portraying Moab’s hero flailing in judgment, Isaiah warned Judah against trusting political maneuvering instead of covenant faithfulness.

Ministry and Homiletical Application

• Pride strives; grace saves. Urge hearers to exchange frantic self-effort for humble trust in the Risen Christ.
• God’s judgments are purposeful; they dismantle idols so that nations may taste the “feast of rich food” (Isaiah 25:6).
• Intercession: pray that modern “Moabs”—societal arrogance and personal self-sufficiency—would be subdued by the outstretched hands of the Lord.
• Discipleship: encourage believers to yield every resource to Him who alone masters the flood.

Connections with Broader Canon

• Exodus 14:27—Yahweh “overthrew” Pharaoh’s army as waters returned; the physical act parallels Isaiah’s image of overpowering force.
• Psalm 18:16—“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep waters.” Where Isaiah’s Moab sinks, the psalmist is rescued, highlighting covenant grace.
• Matthew 14:30-31—Peter, sinking in Galilee, is saved by Jesus’ outstretched hand, reversing Isaiah’s picture for those who call on the Lord.

Summary

אָרָבה paints one vivid stroke of Scripture: arms spread wide, yet incapable before the Almighty. The solitary occurrence magnifies a universal truth—human pride drowns; God alone raises up.

אָרְבּ֥וֹת ארבות ’ā·rə·bō·wṯ ’ārəbōwṯ areBotInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts