Hereth is a forested region mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of David's early life as he fled from King Saul. The reference to Hereth is found in 1 Samuel 22:5, which 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 Hereth."

Geographical Context

The forest of Hereth is located in the territory of Judah, although its precise location remains uncertain. It is traditionally believed to be situated in the southern part of Judah, possibly near the wilderness areas where David often sought refuge. The region's dense forestation would have provided natural cover and resources for David and his men during their time of hiding from Saul.

Historical and Biblical Significance

Hereth holds significance as a place of refuge for David during a critical period of his life. After fleeing from Saul, David gathered a group of followers, including those who were distressed, indebted, or discontented, as described in 1 Samuel 22:2. The forest of Hereth served as one of the locations where David and his men could regroup and strategize while evading Saul's pursuit.

The mention of the prophet Gad in 1 Samuel 22:5 highlights the divine guidance David received during this tumultuous time. Gad's instruction to leave the stronghold and move to Hereth underscores the importance of obedience to God's direction, even when it involves stepping into uncertain or potentially dangerous situations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Hereth represents a place of divine provision and protection. David's reliance on God's guidance through the prophet Gad illustrates the importance of seeking and following God's will, especially in times of trial and uncertainty. The forest of Hereth, therefore, becomes a symbol of God's faithfulness in providing refuge and sustenance to those who trust in Him.

Moreover, David's experience in Hereth can be seen as a formative period in his life, where he learned to depend on God and develop leadership qualities that would later define his reign as king. The trials and challenges faced in places like Hereth prepared David for the responsibilities and spiritual insights necessary for his future role as the shepherd of Israel.

Cultural and Literary Aspects

In the broader narrative of David's life, Hereth is one of several wilderness locations that contribute to the rich tapestry of his journey from shepherd boy to king. The forest setting evokes themes of solitude, reflection, and preparation, which are recurrent motifs in biblical literature. These themes resonate with the experiences of other biblical figures who encountered God in wilderness settings, such as Moses and Elijah.

Hereth, though briefly mentioned, plays a crucial role in the unfolding account of David's rise to kingship. It serves as a backdrop for the development of his character and the deepening of his relationship with God, elements that are central to understanding the biblical portrayal of David as a man after God's own heart.HERETH, THE FOREST OF

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 Moab and go to the land of Judah, and he "came into the forest of Hereth." The Septuagint has "city" instead of forest; see also Josephus, Ant, VI, xii, 4. The village Kharas, on an ancient high road, 3 miles Southeast of Aid el ma, probably David's stronghold ADULLAM (which see), may possibly answer to the place (PEF, III, 305, Sh XXI). "Horesh" has been suggested as an alternative reading.

E. W. G. Masterman

2802. Chereth -- a forest in Judah
... 2801, 2802. Chereth. 2803 . a forest in Judah. Transliteration: Chereth Phonetic
Spelling: (kheh'-reth) Short Definition: Hereth. ... Hereth. ...
/hebrew/2802.htm - 6kHereth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HERETH, THE FOREST OF. he'-reth ... reading. EWG
Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Hereth (1 Occurrence). 1 ...
/h/hereth.htm - 7k

Forest (67 Occurrences)
... forest of Carmel" (2 Kings 19:23 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British
and American) "of his fruitful field"); "the forest of Hereth" (1 Samuel ...
/f/forest.htm - 37k

Heresy (2 Occurrences)

/h/heresy.htm - 12k

Woodland (13 Occurrences)
... place but go into the land of Judah. Then David went away and came to the
woodland of Hereth. (BBE). 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash, king ...
/w/woodland.htm - 11k

Stronghold (68 Occurrences)
... stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah." Then David departed, and
came into the forest of Hereth. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/stronghold.htm - 25k

Heretic (1 Occurrence)

/h/heretic.htm - 7k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... Depart, and go into the land of Judah." Then David departed, and came into the
forest of Hereth. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

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

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