Hareth is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's early life and his flight from King Saul. The name "Hareth" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "thicket" or "forest," which is fitting given its description as a wooded area.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Hareth is found in 1 Samuel 22:5. In this passage, David, who is fleeing from King Saul, is advised by the prophet Gad to leave the stronghold where he is hiding and go into the land of Judah. The verse states:

"Then the prophet Gad said to David, 'Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah.' So David left and went to the forest of Hareth." (1 Samuel 22:5)

Historical and Geographical Context:

Hareth is identified as a forested area within the territory of Judah. While the exact location of Hareth is not definitively known today, it is traditionally believed to be situated in the southern part of Judah, possibly near the region of Adullam, where David had previously sought refuge in the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1).

The forest of Hareth provided a natural hideout for David and his men, offering both concealment and resources necessary for survival. This period of David's life was marked by his status as a fugitive, as he evaded Saul's attempts to capture him. The forest setting would have been advantageous for guerrilla tactics and for maintaining a low profile.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Hareth in the biblical narrative underscores God's providential care and guidance for David during his time of distress. The instruction from the prophet Gad to move to Hareth signifies divine intervention and direction, ensuring David's safety and preparation for his future role as king of Israel.

David's time in the forest of Hareth is part of a larger narrative of testing and preparation. It reflects the theme of God's faithfulness in providing refuge and guidance to those who trust in Him, even in the midst of trials and uncertainty. David's reliance on God's direction through the prophet Gad highlights the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:

Forests in biblical times were often seen as places of mystery and danger, but also of refuge and solitude. The forest of Hareth, therefore, symbolizes both the peril and protection that David experienced. It serves as a backdrop for David's development as a leader and a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

In summary, Hareth is a significant location in the biblical account of David's life, representing a place of divine guidance and protection during a critical period of his journey to kingship.Hareth

(thicket), The forest of, in which David took refuge, after at the instigation of the prophet Gad, he had quitted the "hold" or fastness of the cave of Adullam. (1 Samuel 22:6)

Thicket, a wood in the mountains of Judah where David hid when pursued by Saul (1 Samuel 22:5). It was possibly while he was here that the memorable incident narrated in 2 Samuel 23:14-17, 1 Chronicles 11:16-19 occurred. This place has not been identified, but perhaps it may be the modern Kharas, on the borders of the chain of mountains some 3 miles east of Keilah. HARETH

ha'-reth (chhareth, in pause).

See HERETH.

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... This feeble man having become desperately enamored of her, promised to marry her,
and to repudiate his first wife, daughter of Hareth, king of Petra, and emir ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

Embassy from John in Prison to Jesus --Death of John --Relations ...
... Six years after, Hareth, having attacked Antipas, in order to recover Machero and
avenge the dishonor of his daughter, Antipas was completely beaten; and his ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xii embassy from john.htm

How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ...
... him to leave the desert, and to go into the portion of the tribe of Judah, and abide
there, he complied therewith; and coming to the city Hareth, which was in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how david fled.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Christology of the Old Testament. <. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Forest (67 Occurrences)
... David withdrew to the forest of Hareth in the mountains of Judah to avoid the fury
of Saul (1 Samuel 22:5). We read also of the forest of Bethel (2 Kings 2:23 ...
/f/forest.htm - 37k

Hareth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HARETH. ha'-reth (chhareth, in pause).
See HERETH. Multi-Version Concordance Hareth (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hareth.htm - 7k

Keilah (16 Occurrences)
... they sought to deliver him up to Saul (13), he and his men "departed from Keilah,
and went whithersoever they could go." They fled to the hill Hareth, about 3 ...
/k/keilah.htm - 15k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... (2.) A prophet who joined David in the "hold," and at whose advice he quitted it
for the forest of Hareth (1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 29:25; 1 Samuel 22:5 ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

Entereth (40 Occurrences)
... saith unto David, 'Thou dost not abide in a fortress, go, and thou hast entered
for thee the land of Judah;' and David goeth and entereth the forest of Hareth. ...
/e/entereth.htm - 18k

Mizpah (42 Occurrences)
... the land of Judah. He accordingly removed to the forest of Hareth (qv),
on the edge of the mountain chain of Hebron. (5.) A city ...
/m/mizpah.htm - 31k

Hereth (1 Occurrence)
... he'-reth (ya`-ar chareth; Septuagint polis Sareik; the King James Version Hareth):
David (1 Samuel 22:5) was told by the prophet Gad to depart from Mizpah of ...
/h/hereth.htm - 7k

Hargab (1 Occurrence)

/h/hargab.htm - 6k

Hareseth (5 Occurrences)

/h/hareseth.htm - 7k

Abide (162 Occurrences)
... into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of
Hareth. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Samuel 22:23 Abide ...
/a/abide.htm - 38k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus