Reference: Edrei
American
One of the capitals of Bashan, near which Og and his forces were destroyed, Nu 21:33-35; De 1:4; 3:1-3. It afterwards fell within the limits of Manasseh, Jos 13:31. Its ruins cover a large space; it was a place of some note in the early ages of Christianity and in the era of the crusades. It is now called Draa, and lies about thirty-five miles east of the outlet of the Sea of Galilee.
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Easton
mighty; strength. (1.) One of the chief towns of the kingdom of Bashan (Jos 12:4-5). Here Og was defeated by the Israelites, and the strength of the Amorites broken (Nu 21:33-35). It subsequently belonged to Manasseh, for a short time apparently, and afterwards became the abode of banditti and outlaws (Jos 13:31). It has been identified with the modern Edr'a, which stands on a rocky promontory on the south-west edge of the Lejah (the Argob of the Hebrews, and Trachonitis of the Greeks). The ruins of Edr'a are the most extensive in the Hauran. They are 3 miles in circumference. A number of the ancient houses still remain; the walls, roofs, and doors being all of stone. The wild region of which Edrei was the capital is thus described in its modern aspect: "Elevated about 20 feet above the plain, it is a labyrinth of clefts and crevasses in the rock, formed by volcanic action; and owing to its impenetrable condition, it has become a refuge for outlaws and turbulent characters, who make it a sort of Cave of Adullam...It is, in fact, an impregnable natural fortress, about 20 miles in length and 15 in breadth" (Porter's Syria, etc.). Beneath this wonderful city there is also a subterranean city, hollowed out probably as a refuge for the population of the upper city in times of danger. (See Bashan.)
(2.) A town of Naphtali (Jos 19:37).
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Fausets
("strength".)
1. One of Bashank, two capitals (Nu 21:33; De 1:4; 3:10; Jos 12:4). Mentioned only in connection with the victory over Og, and the acquisition of the Amorite territory. Allotted to Manasseh (Nu 33:33). Its rains, Edra, stand in black masses, stone roofed and doored houses, of massive walls, on a projection of the S.W. angle of the Lejah or Argob. The site is without water, without access except through rocky defiles, strong and secure, one mile and a half wide by two and a half long, about 25 ft. above the fertile plain. It seems to have been the stronghold of the Geshurites subsequently.
2. A town of Naphtali, near Kedesh (Jos 19:37). Now Aitherun (Conder).
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Hastings
1. A royal city of Og, king of Bashan (De 1:4; 3:10; Jos 12:4; 13:12), the scene of the battle at which Og was defeated (Nu 21:33; De 3:1); assigned to the eastern division of Manasseh (Jos 13:31). It seems to be the modern ed-Der'a, where are several important remains of antiquity, including a great subterranean catacomb. 2. A town in Naphtali (Jos 19:37), not identified.
R. A. S. Macalister.
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Morish
Ed'rei
1. One of the chief towns of Bashan, where Og was defeated by the Israelites. Nu 21:33-35; De 1:4; 3:1,10; Jos 12:4; 13:12,31. It fell to the lot of Manasseh. It is identified with ed Deraah, 32 38' N, 36 6' E. It is a place of great natural strength, being surrounded by a labyrinth of clefts and crevasses in the rock. The houses are of stone, with stone roofs and stone doors. There is no water there, and the spot seems chosen for security. About 50 families of desperate character inhabit the place. Underneath the city are many large caves, forming a subterranean city, with streets and houses; but a recent traveller found the entrance blocked by a rock, and was told that the passage had been blown up to prevent the caves being used as a hiding place from justice.
2. City of Naphtali in the north, near Kedesh. Jos 19:37. Identified by some with Yater, 33 9' N, 35 20' E.
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Smith
Ed'rei
(stronghold).
1. One of the two capital cities of Bashan, in the territory of Manasseh east of the Jordan.
Nu 21:33; De 1:4; 3:10; Jos 12:4
In Scripture it is only mentioned in connection with the victory gained by the Israelites over the Amorites under Og their king, and the territory thus acquired. The ruins of this ancient city, still bearing the name Edr'a, stand on a rocky promontory which projects from the southwest corner of the Lejah. The ruins are nearly three miles in circumference, and have a strange, wild, look, rising up in dark, shattered masses from the midst of a wilderness of black rocks.
2. A town of northern Palestine, allotted to the tribe of Naphtali, and situated near Kedesh.
About two miles south of Kedesh is a conical rocky hill called Tell Khuraibeh, the "tell of the ruin," which may be the site of Edrei.