The term "Adullamite" refers to an inhabitant of Adullam, a city of ancient Judah. Adullam is most notably mentioned in the context of the life of David, who sought refuge in the Cave of Adullam while fleeing from King Saul. The city itself is located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, and is associated with several significant biblical events and figures.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 38:1-2 : The first mention of an Adullamite is in the account of Judah and Tamar. "At that time, Judah left his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite. There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her." Hirah, the Adullamite, is depicted as a friend of Judah, indicating the presence of a Canaanite population in the region during this period.

2. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 : The Cave of Adullam becomes a significant location in the narrative of David. "So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. And all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him." This passage highlights Adullam as a place of refuge and gathering for those loyal to David during his time of persecution by Saul.

3. 2 Samuel 23:13-17 : The Cave of Adullam is also the setting for a notable act of bravery by David's mighty men. "Three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam during the harvest time, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, 'Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!' So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD, saying, 'Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?' So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Adullam was strategically located in the Judean lowlands, making it a significant site during various military campaigns. Its caves provided natural fortifications and hiding places, which were utilized by David and his followers. The city's mention in the context of Judah and Tamar suggests that it was inhabited by both Israelites and Canaanites, reflecting the complex social and cultural interactions of the time.

Theological Significance:

The account of David at the Cave of Adullam is often seen as a testament to God's provision and protection. Despite being pursued by Saul, David found safety and support among those who gathered to him. This narrative underscores themes of divine providence, leadership, and the gathering of a faithful remnant. David's refusal to drink the water brought by his mighty men, instead offering it to the LORD, highlights his reverence for God and the sacrificial loyalty of his followers.

In summary, the Adullamite, as seen through the biblical narrative, represents both a geographical and cultural identity within the broader context of Israel's history. The city of Adullam and its inhabitants played a pivotal role in the unfolding account of God's chosen people, particularly in the life of David, Israel's beloved king.An inhabitant of the city of Adullam (Genesis 38:1, 12, 20). ADULLAMITE

a-dul'-am-it: The gentilic adjective of ADULLAM, which see. It is used only of Judah's friend Hirah (Genesis 38:1, 12, 20).

5726. Adullami -- inhab. of Adullam
... inhab. of Adullam. Transliteration: Adullami Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ool-law-mee')
Short Definition: Adullamite. ... of Adullam NASB Word Usage Adullamite (3). ...
/hebrew/5726.htm - 6k

2437. Chirah -- a friend of Judah
... Hirah. From chavar in the sense of splendor; Chirah, an Adullamite -- Hirah. see
HEBREW chavar. 2436, 2437. Chirah. 2438 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2437.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxviii
... Then when Judah had recovered from his grief, he went up to his sheepshearers,
he and Hirah his friend, the Adullamite, to Timnah. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... and my brethren. 8. Moreover, I had much cattle, and I had for the chief
of my herdsmen Iran [103] the Adullamite. And when I went ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy. <. ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... He relates how Judah, having separated from his brethren, "turned in to a certain
Adullamite, whose name was Hiram," and that here he became acquainted with ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Adullamite (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADULLAMITE. a-dul'-am-it: The gentilic adjective
of ADULLAM, which see. ... Multi-Version Concordance Adullamite (3 Occurrences). ...
/a/adullamite.htm - 7k

Adullam (10 Occurrences)
... Adullam (10 Occurrences). Genesis 38:1 It happened at that time, that Judah went
down from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. ...
/a/adullam.htm - 16k

Hirah (3 Occurrences)
... Hirah (3 Occurrences). Genesis 38:1 It happened at that time, that Judah went down
from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. ...
/h/hirah.htm - 7k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers to Timnah, he and his friend
Hirah, the Adullamite. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Visited (40 Occurrences)
... Genesis 38:1 It happened at that time, that Judah went down from his brothers, and
visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. (WEB NAS). ...
/v/visited.htm - 18k

Kid (42 Occurrences)
... Genesis 38:20 And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to
receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. ...
/k/kid.htm - 20k

Judah's (18 Occurrences)
... of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went
up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite...
/j/judah's.htm - 12k

Woman's (20 Occurrences)
... Genesis 38:20 Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite,
to receive the pledge from the woman's hand, but he didn't find her. ...
/w/woman's.htm - 12k

Timnath (9 Occurrences)
... of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went
up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite...
/t/timnath.htm - 9k

Timnah (12 Occurrences)
... Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers to Timnah, he and his friend
Hirah, the Adullamite. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/timnah.htm - 13k

What was the Cave of Adullam? | GotQuestions.org

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