The term "Anethothite" refers to an inhabitant of Anathoth, a town in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Anathoth holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Old Testament. The town is mentioned in various contexts, often associated with notable biblical figures and events.

Biblical References:

1. Anathoth as a Levitical City:
Anathoth is identified as one of the cities given to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel. In Joshua 21:18, it is listed among the cities allocated to the descendants of Aaron: "Anathoth, and Almon, with their pasturelands—four cities." This allocation underscores the town's religious significance and its role in supporting the Levitical priesthood.

2. Jeremiah the Prophet:
One of the most prominent figures associated with Anathoth is the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:1 introduces him as "Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin." Jeremiah's connection to Anathoth is crucial, as it situates him within a priestly lineage and a community that would have been deeply familiar with the religious and cultural traditions of Israel.

3. David's Mighty Warriors:
The Anethothites are also mentioned in the context of King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 23:27 and 1 Chronicles 11:28, two of David's mighty warriors, Abiezer and Jehu, are identified as Anethothites. These references highlight the town's contribution to the military strength and leadership during David's consolidation of the kingdom.

4. Return from Exile:
Anathoth is noted in the post-exilic period as one of the towns whose inhabitants returned from Babylonian captivity. Ezra 2:23 records, "The men of Anathoth, 128." This return signifies the restoration of the community and its continued presence in the land of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Anathoth's role as a Levitical city and its association with Jeremiah emphasize its importance in the religious life of ancient Israel. The town's connection to the priesthood and prophecy underscores the intertwining of religious and social structures in Israelite society. Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, which began in Anathoth, was marked by calls for repentance and warnings of impending judgment, reflecting the town's spiritual heritage.

The mention of Anethothites among David's warriors illustrates the town's contribution to the broader narrative of Israel's monarchy and military exploits. This connection to David's reign highlights the integration of various tribal and regional identities into the unified kingdom of Israel.

In the post-exilic context, the return of the Anethothites signifies the resilience and continuity of the community despite the challenges of exile. This return is part of the larger narrative of restoration and renewal that characterizes the post-exilic period in Jewish history.

Overall, the Anethothites, as inhabitants of Anathoth, are woven into the fabric of Israel's religious, military, and communal life, reflecting the town's enduring legacy in the biblical narrative.Anethothite

(2 Samuel 23:27) Anetothite , (1 Chronicles 27:12) and Antothite, (1 Chronicles 11:28; 12:3) an inhabitant of Anathoth, of the tribe of Benjamin.

ANETHOTHITE

an'-e-thoth-it: the King James Version form of Anathothite (thus the Revised Version (British and American) 2 Samuel 23:27).

6069. Annethothi -- inhab. of Anathoth
... Word Origin from Anathoth Definition inhab. of Anathoth NASB Word Usage Anathoth
(1), Anathothite (4). of Anathoth, Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite. ...
/hebrew/6069.htm - 6kAnethothite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANETHOTHITE. ...Anethothite (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel
23:27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, (KJV WBS). ...
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Aner (3 Occurrences)

/a/aner.htm - 8k

Anetothite (1 Occurrence)

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Anathothite (4 Occurrences)
... ANATHOTHITE. an'-a-thoth-it (ha-`annethothi): the Revised Version (British and American)
form of the King James Version Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite. ...
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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."). ...
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