Original Word: אֲרִיאֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name
Transliteration: Ari'el
Pronunciation: ah-ree-EL
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-ee-ale')
KJV: Ariel
NASB: Ariel
Word Origin: [the same as H739 (אֲרִיאֵל אֲרִאֵל - Ariel)]

1. Ariel, a symbolical name for Jerusalem, also the name of an Israelite

Ariel

The same as 'ariy'el; Ariel, a symbolical name for Jerusalem, also the name of an Israelite -- Ariel.

see HEBREW 'ariy'el

Word Origin
from ari and el
Definition
"lioness of El," a symbolic name for Jer.
NASB Translation
Ariel (5).

Biblical Occurrences

Ezra 8:16; Isaiah 29:1 (twice); Isaiah 29:2 (twice); Isaiah 29:7

Historical Context in Ezra 8:16

Ariel appears among the leading men whom Ezra summons at the Ahava canal to assemble helpers for the return to Jerusalem. His inclusion alongside eleven other heads of families underscores the deliberate gathering of spiritually capable leadership for the re-establishment of temple worship. The positioning of Ariel in this list hints at proven fidelity during the exile, marking him as a trusted figure in a moment of covenant renewal. His willingness to be counted for service models the proactive faith expected of those who steward God’s people through transitional seasons.

Ariel as a Symbolic Title for Jerusalem (Isaiah 29)

In Isaiah’s oracle, “Ariel” functions as a prophetic designation for Jerusalem, twice repeated for emphasis:

“Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David camped!” (Isaiah 29:1).

The title simultaneously recalls Davidic heritage and sacrificial centrality. By choosing this appellation, the Spirit emphasizes both royal identity and altar imagery—Jerusalem is the place where God’s lion-like strength met Israel in worship, yet also the hearth on which judgment would fall because of persistent rebellion. The repetition intensifies the impending chastening:

“I will oppress Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation” (Isaiah 29:2).

Nevertheless, the same passage anticipates deliverance: “All the many nations warring against Ariel… will be like a dream, a vision of the night” (Isaiah 29:7). Thus Ariel encapsulates both crisis and covenant hope.

Theological Themes Associated with Ariel

1. Covenant Accountability: Jerusalem’s privileged status does not exempt it from discipline (Hebrews 12:6).
2. Divine Presence and Sacrifice: The altar motif threads through Isaiah 29, reminding readers that atonement and purification remain essential for fellowship with God.
3. Sovereign Protection: Though besieged, Ariel will not be consumed. God keeps His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), prefiguring ultimate messianic preservation in Jesus Christ.

Prophetic and Eschatological Implications

Isaiah’s portrayal of nations “as fine dust” before Ariel foreshadows both the Assyrian threat and eschatological assaults yet to come. Zechariah 12:2-9 and Revelation 20:9 echo the pattern: hostile forces converge on the holy city only to be repelled by divine intervention. Ariel therefore operates as a prophetic prototype of final Jerusalem, where judgment and vindication culminate in God’s glory.

Practical Ministry Insights

• Leadership Integrity: Like the Ezra-era Ariel, present-day leaders are called to step forward when the people of God undertake renewal.
• Worship and Holiness: The altar imagery warns against presuming upon liturgical routines absent heart obedience (Isaiah 1:11-17).
• Intercession for the City: Isaiah’s tension of woe and wonder invites ongoing prayer for Jerusalem’s peace (Psalm 122:6) and for the consummation of God’s redemptive plan.

Connection with the Altar Motif

The hearth-like nuance of Ariel ties Jerusalem’s destiny to the sacrificial system consummated in Christ. Hebrews 13:10-12 presents the greater altar outside the gate where Jesus suffered, fulfilling the shadow that Ariel once cast. Thus the city’s very name hints at the gospel’s climactic offering.

Intertextual Echoes and New Testament Resonance

• Matthew 23:37-39 laments over “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” mirroring Isaiah’s doubled address and revealing Christ as the prophetic voice behind the earlier oracle.
• 1 Peter 2:6-7 affirms Zion as the chosen cornerstone locale, reinforcing Ariel’s ultimate role in God’s redemptive architecture.
• Revelation 21:2 identifies the holy city, new Jerusalem, descending adorned “as a bride,” the final answer to Isaiah’s lament and hope.

Summary

Ariel stands at the intersection of leadership heritage and prophetic symbolism. Whether denoting a faithful exile or the city of David itself, the term summons readers to revere God’s holiness, trust His chastening love, and anticipate the consummate victory He has ordained for His dwelling place among humanity.

אֲרִיאֵ֑ל אֲרִיאֵ֔ל אֲרִיאֵ֣ל אריאל כַּאֲרִיאֵֽל׃ כאריאל׃ לַֽאֲרִיאֵ֑ל לַאֲרִיאֵ֡ל לאריאל ka’ărî’êl ka·’ă·rî·’êl kaariEl la’ărî’êl la·’ă·rî·’êl laariElInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts