The term "Atharim" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. It is associated with a significant event during the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. The name "Atharim" is often linked to a route or a location that the Israelites encountered.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Atharim is found in Numbers 21:1 : "When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some of them."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Atharim is believed to be a route or a path that the Israelites took during their wanderings in the desert. The mention of Atharim is tied to the Canaanite king of Arad, who resided in the Negev, a desert region in the southern part of ancient Israel. The Negev was a significant area during the Israelites' journey, as it was a transitional zone between the wilderness and the Promised Land.

The attack by the king of Arad upon hearing of Israel's approach along the road to Atharim suggests that this route was strategically important. The Canaanites' response indicates the threat they perceived from the advancing Israelites, who were moving closer to the territories inhabited by various Canaanite tribes.

Theological Significance:

The encounter at Atharim highlights several theological themes present in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. Firstly, it underscores the constant challenges and opposition faced by the Israelites as they moved towards the land promised to them by God. The attack by the king of Arad serves as a reminder of the spiritual and physical battles that God's people often encounter in their journey of faith.

Secondly, the event at Atharim demonstrates God's faithfulness and protection over Israel. Despite the initial setback of some Israelites being captured, the subsequent verses (Numbers 21:2-3) reveal that Israel made a vow to the LORD, and God delivered the Canaanites into their hands, leading to the destruction of their cities. This victory is a testament to God's covenantal promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Linguistic Considerations:

The term "Atharim" itself is somewhat enigmatic, as it is not extensively detailed in the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that "Atharim" may derive from a root meaning "to spy" or "to explore," which could imply that the route was one used for reconnaissance or exploration. However, the exact meaning and significance of the name remain a topic of scholarly discussion.

Conclusion:

The reference to Atharim in the Book of Numbers provides a glimpse into the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by God's people and the divine intervention that accompanies them on their path to fulfilling God's promises.ATHARIM

ath'-a-rim (`atharim): the Revised Version (British and American) "The way of Atharim"; the King James Version "The way of the spies." the Revised Version (British and American) regards Atharim as a place (so Septuagint). the King James Version follows Syriac and Targum, rendering Atharim as if Tarim = spies. Dillmann translates "the caravan path," connecting it with Arabic athar, "a track or footprint." Here the king of Arad fought against Israel, taking some captives (Numbers 21:1). See HORMAH.

871. Atharim -- a caravan route in the Negev
... 870, 871. Atharim. 872 . a caravan route in the Negev. Transliteration: Atharim
Phonetic Spelling: (ath-aw-reem') Short Definition: Atharim. ...
/hebrew/871.htm - 6kAtharim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATHARIM. ath'-a-rim (`atharim): the Revised
Version (British and American) "The way of Atharim"; the ...
/a/atharim.htm - 7k

Atheism

/a/atheism.htm - 13k

Fighteth (23 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 And the Canaanite -- king Arad -- dwelling in the south, heareth that
Israel hath come the way of the Atharim, and he fighteth against Israel, and ...
/f/fighteth.htm - 13k

Fought (109 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell
that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took ...
/f/fought.htm - 38k

Captured (143 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 And the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who dwelt in the South, heard
tell that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and ...
/c/captured.htm - 36k

Atharias

/a/atharias.htm - 6k

Arad (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell
that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took ...
/a/arad.htm - 10k

Attacked (93 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell
that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took ...
/a/attacked.htm - 33k

Captive (123 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell
that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took ...
/c/captive.htm - 43k

Negeb (37 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell
that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took ...
/n/negeb.htm - 26k

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