The term "Jesraelite" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it is closely associated with the region and people of Jezreel, a significant location in biblical history. Jezreel, meaning "God sows," is a city and valley in the northern part of ancient Israel, within the territory of the tribe of Issachar. The term "Jesraelite" can be understood as referring to an inhabitant or native of Jezreel.

Biblical Significance of Jezreel

1. Geographical and Historical Context: Jezreel is strategically located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, which served as a major crossroads in ancient Israel. This valley was a critical agricultural area and a site of numerous historical events. The city of Jezreel itself was situated on a hill overlooking the valley, providing a vantage point for defense and communication.

2. Jezreel in the Old Testament: The city and valley of Jezreel are mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament. One of the most notable events associated with Jezreel is the account of Naboth's vineyard. King Ahab desired Naboth's vineyard, which was located in Jezreel, and his wife Jezebel orchestrated Naboth's unjust execution to seize the land (1 Kings 21). This act of injustice led to a prophetic judgment against Ahab's house.

3. Prophetic Symbolism: Jezreel also holds prophetic significance. The prophet Hosea uses the name Jezreel symbolically in his prophecies. Hosea's children were given names with prophetic meanings, and his son was named Jezreel to symbolize God's impending judgment on the house of Jehu and the kingdom of Israel (Hosea 1:4-5: "Then the LORD said to Hosea, 'Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.'").

4. Military and Political Importance: The valley of Jezreel was a frequent battleground due to its strategic location. It was the site of significant military encounters, including the battle between the Israelites led by Deborah and Barak against the Canaanite forces of Sisera (Judges 4-5). The valley's importance continued into the time of the divided kingdom, serving as a key location in the conflicts between Israel and its neighbors.

5. Jezreel in the New Testament: While the New Testament does not explicitly mention Jezreel, the region's historical and prophetic background provides context for understanding the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The concept of a "Jesraelite" as an inhabitant of Jezreel carries with it the weight of the region's historical and theological significance. The events that transpired in Jezreel, particularly the injustices and prophetic judgments, serve as reminders of God's sovereignty, justice, and the consequences of disobedience. The prophetic use of Jezreel in Hosea underscores the themes of judgment and restoration, reflecting God's ultimate plan for His people.

In summary, while "Jesraelite" is not a term explicitly used in the Bible, its association with Jezreel provides a rich tapestry of historical, prophetic, and theological insights that continue to resonate within the biblical narrative.Jesraelite (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 17:25
And Absalom set Amasa over the host instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, that went in to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother.
(See JPS)

Jesraelite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jesraelite (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 17:25 And
Absalom set Amasa over the host instead of Joab. Now Amasa ...
/j/jesraelite.htm - 6k

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Jesraelite, that went in
to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. (See RSV). ...
/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k

Jesim'iel (1 Occurrence)
Jesim'iel. Jesimiel, Jesim'iel. Jesraelite . Multi-Version Concordance
Jesim'iel (1 Occurrence). ... Jesimiel, Jesim'iel. Jesraelite . Reference Bible.
/j/jesim'iel.htm - 6k

Ama'sa (12 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Jesraelite, that went in
to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. (See RSV). ...
/a/ama'sa.htm - 10k

Ab'igal (1 Occurrence)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Jesraelite, that went in
to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. (See RSV). ...
/a/ab'igal.htm - 6k

Jesse (45 Occurrences)

/j/jesse.htm - 32k

Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)
... Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Jesraelite, that went in
to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother. (See RSV). ...
/a/ab'salom.htm - 29k

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