Topical Encyclopedia The term "Naamite" refers to an individual from the region or lineage associated with Naamah. In the biblical context, Naamah is a name that appears in several instances, each with distinct significance. The most notable mention of a Naamite is found in the Book of Job, where one of Job's friends, Zophar, is identified as a Naamathite.Zophar the Naamathite Zophar is one of the three friends who visit Job during his time of suffering. Alongside Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite, Zophar attempts to provide counsel and explanation for Job's afflictions. The designation "Naamathite" suggests that Zophar hailed from a place called Naamah, though the exact location of this place is not specified in the biblical text. It is possible that Naamah was a region or city known during the time of Job, which is traditionally considered to be set in the patriarchal period. In the Book of Job, Zophar is introduced in Job 2:11: "Now when Job’s three friends heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his own country—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They had agreed to meet together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him" . Zophar's speeches are recorded in Job 11 and Job 20, where he emphasizes the need for repentance and the justice of God, often speaking with a tone of certainty about the reasons for Job's suffering. Naamah in Other Contexts The name Naamah also appears in other parts of the Bible, though these instances are not directly related to the term "Naamite." For example, Naamah is mentioned as one of the wives of Solomon and the mother of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 14:21: "Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon reigned in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite" . This Naamah is identified as an Ammonite, indicating her foreign origin and the political alliances formed through marriage during Solomon's reign. Additionally, Naamah is noted as a descendant of Cain in Genesis 4:22: "Zillah also gave birth to Tubal-cain, a forger of every implement of bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah" . This reference places Naamah in the antediluvian period, highlighting her as part of the lineage known for advancements in metallurgy. Cultural and Theological Significance The mention of Zophar as a Naamathite in the Book of Job underscores the diverse backgrounds of Job's friends, each bringing their own perspective to the theological discussions about suffering and divine justice. Zophar's role as a Naamathite contributes to the narrative's exploration of wisdom and the human attempt to understand God's ways. In a broader theological context, the various mentions of Naamah and the associated term "Naamite" reflect the interconnectedness of different peoples and cultures within the biblical narrative. These references serve as a reminder of the complex social and familial relationships that shaped the history and theology of the ancient Near East. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NAAMITEna'-a-mit (ha-na`ami, "the Naamite"): A family which traced its descent from Naaman (Numbers 26:40). Thesaurus Naamite (1 Occurrence)...NAAMITE. na'-a-mit (ha-na`ami, "the Naamite"): A family which traced its descent from Naaman (Numbers 26:40). See NAAMAN, (2). ...Naamite (1 Occurrence). ... /n/naamite.htm - 7k Na'amathite (3 Occurrences) Naamites (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Naamite (1 Occurrence)Numbers 26:40 Subtopics Related Terms |
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