Overview:
Netophas, also referred to as Netophah, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily recognized as a town in the territory of Judah, notable for its inhabitants and their contributions to the history of Israel. The name "Netophas" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "dropping" or "distillation," possibly indicating a place of abundant water or fertile land.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 2:54 : "The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-Joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites." This verse situates Netophas within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, linking it to the broader narrative of Israel's tribal divisions and settlements.

2. 1 Chronicles 9:16 : "Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites." This passage highlights the presence of Levites residing in the villages of the Netophathites, indicating the town's role in the religious life of Israel.

3. Nehemiah 7:26 : "The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188." In the context of the return from Babylonian exile, this verse lists the men of Netophah among those who returned to rebuild Jerusalem, underscoring the town's continued significance in the post-exilic community.

4. 2 Samuel 23:28-29 : "Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite." These verses mention two of David's mighty warriors, Maharai and Heled, who hailed from Netophah, illustrating the town's contribution to the military strength of King David's reign.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Netophas is believed to have been located near Bethlehem, within the tribal allotment of Judah. Its proximity to Bethlehem suggests a close relationship with this more prominent city, both geographically and culturally. The town's mention alongside Bethlehem in various genealogical and census records indicates its integration into the socio-political fabric of ancient Judah.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The references to Netophas in the context of the return from exile and the presence of Levites suggest that it was a community with a strong religious identity. The town's contribution of warriors to David's elite forces also points to a tradition of valor and loyalty to the Davidic monarchy.

Conclusion:
While not a major city, Netophas holds a place in the biblical narrative as a representative of the smaller towns that played vital roles in the history and development of the nation of Israel. Its inhabitants' participation in key events, such as the return from exile and the establishment of David's kingdom, highlights the interconnectedness of the various communities within Judah.NETOPHAS

ne-to'-fas (Codex Vaticanus Netebas; Codex Alexandrinus Netophae): A town named in 1 Esdras 5:18, identical with "Netophah" of Ezra 2:22 Nehemiah 7:26.

Netophas
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NETOPHAS. ne-to'-fas (Codex Vaticanus Netebas;
Codex Alexandrinus Netophae): A town named in 1 Esdras ...
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Netophah (2 Occurrences)
... the singers." The first mention of the place itself is in Ezra 2:22 Nehemiah 7:26;
1Es 5:18 (the Revised Version (British and American) "Netophas"), where we ...
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Netoph'ah (4 Occurrences)
Netoph'ah. Neto'phah, Netoph'ah. Netophas . Multi-Version Concordance
Netoph'ah (4 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Neto'phah, Netoph'ah. Netophas . Reference
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Netophathi (1 Occurrence)

/n/netophathi.htm - 7k

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