The term "Harorite" appears in the context of the mighty men of King David, specifically in the list of his elite warriors. The Harorites are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:35, which refers to "Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai." The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai." The term "Harorite" is associated with Naarai, indicating a possible geographical or familial designation.

Biblical Context

The Harorites are part of the larger narrative of David's mighty men, a group of valiant warriors who played a crucial role in establishing and defending David's kingdom. These men are celebrated for their bravery, loyalty, and military prowess. The list of David's mighty men is found in two primary passages: 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. The mention of the Harorite in 1 Chronicles 11:35 places them within this esteemed group.

Etymology and Meaning

The term "Harorite" is derived from the Hebrew root "חרר" (ḥrr), which may suggest a connection to a specific location or clan. The exact meaning and origin of "Harorite" remain uncertain, as the term is not widely attested outside of this context. Some scholars propose that it could refer to a geographical area or a notable ancestor, but definitive conclusions are elusive due to the limited biblical and extrabiblical references.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In the ancient Near Eastern context, identifying individuals by their place of origin or clan was common. This practice helped distinguish people in a society where personal names might be shared by many. The designation "Harorite" would have served to identify Naarai within the broader community of warriors and the nation of Israel.

The inclusion of the Harorite among David's mighty men underscores the diverse backgrounds of those who rallied around David. This diversity reflects the unifying power of David's leadership and the shared commitment to the covenantal promises given to Israel. The mighty men, including the Harorite, were instrumental in securing the kingdom and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Harorite in the biblical narrative highlights the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises through human agency. The mighty men, including those like the Harorite, were seen as instruments in God's plan to establish David's throne, which ultimately pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the line of David.

The Harorite's inclusion in the list of mighty men serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and courage in the service of God's kingdom. It also illustrates the biblical principle that God often uses individuals from various backgrounds to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing the unity and diversity within the body of believers.Harorite

(the same as Harodite) The, the title given to Shammoth, one of the warriors of David's guard. (1 Chronicles 11:27)

HARORITE

ha'-ro-rit.

See HARODITE.

2033. Harori -- an inhabitant of Harod
... Harori. 2034 . an inhabitant of Harod. Transliteration: Harori Phonetic Spelling:
(har-o-ree') Short Definition: Harorite. ... of Harod NASB Word Usage Harorite (1 ...
/hebrew/2033.htm - 6kHarorite (1 Occurrence)
...HARORITE. ha'-ro-rit. See HARODITE. ...Harorite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth
the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/h/harorite.htm - 6k

Harodite (2 Occurrences)
... Septuagint omits the second name. In 1 Chronicles 11:27, the first is called
"Shammoth the Harorite," while the second is omitted. ...
/h/harodite.htm - 7k

Pelonite (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pelonite (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth
the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/p/pelonite.htm - 7k

Pel'onite (3 Occurrences)
... Pelonite, Pel'onite. Pelted . Multi-Version Concordance Pel'onite (3 Occurrences).
1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite; (See RSV). ...
/p/pel'onite.htm - 7k

Shammoth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shammoth (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the
Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shammoth.htm - 6k

Shammah (8 Occurrences)
... In the parallel lists (1 Chronicles 11:27) he is called "the Harorite" (this last
being a scribal error for Harodite) and "Shamhuth the Izrahate" (1 Chronicles ...
/s/shammah.htm - 13k

Helez (4 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/h/helez.htm - 8k

Harosheth (3 Occurrences)

/h/harosheth.htm - 9k

Haro'eh (1 Occurrence)
Haro'eh. Haroeh, Haro'eh. Harorite . Multi-Version Concordance Haro'eh (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Haroeh, Haro'eh. Harorite . Reference Bible.
/h/haro'eh.htm - 6k

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