The term "Anetothite" refers to an inhabitant of Anathoth, a town in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Anathoth holds significant historical and religious importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Old Testament. The Anetothites are mentioned in the context of various biblical figures and events, contributing to the rich tapestry of Israel's history.

Biblical References

Anathoth is first mentioned in the context of the Levitical cities. It was one of the cities given to the Levites, as recorded in the Book of Joshua: "Out of the tribe of Benjamin: Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon—four cities" (Joshua 21:17). This allocation underscores the town's religious significance, as the Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel.

One of the most notable Anetothites in the Bible is Abiathar, a priest during the reign of King David. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, the priest who was slain by King Saul. Abiathar escaped to David and served as a priest during David's reign. However, he later supported Adonijah's claim to the throne, which led to his removal by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27).

Another significant figure from Anathoth is the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah's lineage is explicitly linked to Anathoth: "The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin" (Jeremiah 1:1). Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was marked by his calls for repentance and warnings of impending judgment, making him one of the major prophets in the Old Testament.

Historical and Cultural Context

Anathoth's location in the territory of Benjamin places it within the central hill country of Israel, a region known for its strategic and agricultural significance. The town's association with the priestly class and its mention in various biblical narratives highlight its role as a center of religious activity.

The Anetothites, as inhabitants of a Levitical city, would have been deeply involved in the religious life of Israel. Their identity as Benjamites also connects them to the broader narrative of the tribe of Benjamin, which played a crucial role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

Theological Significance

The Anetothites, through figures like Abiathar and Jeremiah, illustrate themes of faithfulness, judgment, and redemption. Abiathar's account reflects the complexities of loyalty and the consequences of political alliances, while Jeremiah's prophetic ministry emphasizes the call to return to God and the hope of restoration.

Anathoth's role as a Levitical city also underscores the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Anetothites, as part of this priestly tradition, contributed to the spiritual leadership and guidance of the nation.

In summary, the Anetothites, as residents of Anathoth, are woven into the fabric of Israel's religious and historical narrative. Their contributions, both as individuals and as a community, reflect the broader themes of covenant, prophecy, and divine purpose that permeate the biblical text.ANETOTHITE

an'-e-toth-it: the King James Version form of Anathothite (thus the Revised Version (British and American) 1 Chronicles 27:12).

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 - 6kAnetothite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANETOTHITE. an'-e-toth-it ... 27:12).
Multi-Version Concordance Anetothite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
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Anew (10 Occurrences)

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Anethothite (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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Course (87 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite,
of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. ...
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