The term "Anathothite" refers to an inhabitant or native of Anathoth, a town in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Anathoth holds a significant place in biblical history and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. Anathoth as a Levitical City:
Anathoth is identified as one of the cities given to the Levites. In Joshua 21:18, it is listed among the cities allocated to the descendants of Aaron, the priestly line within the tribe of Levi: "Anathoth, and Almon, with their pasturelands—four cities." This designation underscores Anathoth's role as a city of refuge and a center for Levitical activity.

2. Jeremiah the Prophet:
Anathoth is perhaps most famously known as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 1:1, the prophet is introduced as "Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin." This connection highlights Anathoth's continued religious significance and its contribution to the prophetic tradition in Israel.

3. Military Context:
The term "Anathothite" is also used to describe certain warriors in King David's army. In 2 Samuel 23:27 and 1 Chronicles 11:28, two of David's mighty men are identified as Anathothites: "Abiezer the Anathothite" and "Sibbecai the Hushathite." These references indicate that Anathoth was not only a religious center but also contributed to the military strength of Israel.

4. Post-Exilic Period:
Anathoth is mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. In Nehemiah 7:27, the descendants of Anathoth are listed among those who returned to Jerusalem: "The men of Anathoth, 128." This inclusion signifies the town's resilience and the restoration of its community after the exile.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

Anathoth is traditionally identified with the modern village of Anata, located approximately 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Archaeological findings in the area have provided insights into the town's historical significance and its role during various periods of Israel's history.

Theological Significance:

Anathoth's association with Jeremiah underscores its importance in the prophetic narrative of the Old Testament. Jeremiah's ministry, which began in Anathoth, was marked by calls for repentance and warnings of impending judgment, reflecting the town's role as a place of divine communication and revelation.

In summary, the Anathothite identity is deeply intertwined with the religious, military, and historical fabric of ancient Israel. The town's contributions to the Levitical priesthood, its association with the prophet Jeremiah, and its role in the post-exilic restoration highlight its enduring legacy in biblical history.ANATHOTHITE

an'-a-thoth-it (ha-`annethothi): the Revised Version (British and American) form of the King James Version Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite. An inhabitant of Anathoth, a town of Benjamin assigned to the Levites. The Anathothites are

(1) Abiezer, one of David's thirty heroes (2 Samuel 23:27 1 Chronicles 11:28; 1 Chronicles 27:12), and

(2) Jehu who came to David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3).

6069. Annethothi -- inhab. of Anathoth
... Annethothi or Annethothi. 6070 . inhab. of Anathoth. Transliteration: Annethothi
or Annethothi Phonetic Spelling: (an-tho-thee') Short Definition: Anathothite ...
/hebrew/6069.htm - 6kAnathothite (4 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANATHOTHITE. ...Anathothite (4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel
23:27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS). ...
/a/anathothite.htm - 8k

An'athoth (19 Occurrences)
... with its suburbs; four cities. (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:27 Abiezer the Anathothite,
Mebunnai the Hushathite, (See RSV). 1 Kings 2:26 To ...
/a/an'athoth.htm - 11k

Abiezer (7 Occurrences)
... The region was West of Shechem, with Ophrah for its principal city. (2) One of David's
mighty men, "the Anathothite" (2 Samuel 23:27 1 Chronicles 11:28), who ...
/a/abiezer.htm - 10k

Abi-e'zer (6 Occurrences)
... vintage of Abi-e'zer? (DBY RSV). 2 Samuel 23:27 Abiezer the Anathothite,
Mebunnai the Hushathite; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 7:18 And ...
/a/abi-e'zer.htm - 8k

Anathoth (16 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 2 Samuel 23:27 Abiezer the Anathothite,
Mebunnai the Hushathite, (Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/a/anathoth.htm - 14k

Antothite (3 Occurrences)
... An inhabitant of Anathoth, found only in 1 Chronicles 11:28; 12:3. In 2 Samuel
23:27 it is Anethothite; in 1 Chronicles 27:12, Anetothite. (RV, "Anathothite."). ...
/a/antothite.htm - 8k

Ancestor (5 Occurrences)

/a/ancestor.htm - 8k

Je'zi-el (1 Occurrence)
... chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and
Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, (See RSV ...
/j/je'zi-el.htm - 6k

Jeziel (1 Occurrence)
... chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and
Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, (WEB KJV ...
/j/jeziel.htm - 7k

Gibeathite (1 Occurrence)
... chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and
Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, (WEB KJV ...
/g/gibeathite.htm - 7k

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