The term "Netophathi" refers to the inhabitants of Netophah, a town mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Netophah is noted for its association with the tribe of Judah and its proximity to Bethlehem. The name "Netophathi" is used to describe the people originating from this location.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 2:54 · The genealogy of the tribe of Judah includes the mention of Netophah, indicating its significance within the tribal structure. The passage states, "The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-Joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites."

2. 1 Chronicles 9:16 · This verse lists the Levites who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, including those from Netophah. It reads, "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."

3. Nehemiah 7:26 · In the context of the repopulation of Jerusalem, the Netophathites are again mentioned, highlighting their role in the restoration efforts. The verse states, "The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188."

4. 2 Samuel 23:28-29 · The Netophathites are also noted among David's mighty warriors, with two of them, Maharai and Heleb, being specifically named. The passage reads, "Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heleb son of Baanah the Netophathite."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Netophah was likely a small village or settlement near Bethlehem, and its inhabitants, the Netophathites, were part of the larger community of Judah. The frequent mention of Netophathites in genealogical and military contexts suggests that they were a recognized and respected group within the tribe. Their inclusion among David's mighty men indicates their valor and importance in the military history of Israel.

Theological Significance:

The Netophathites' repeated mention in the context of genealogies and military exploits underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people. Despite their small size, the Netophathites played a role in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel, demonstrating that every part of the community, regardless of its size or prominence, contributes to the greater narrative of God's covenant with His people.

Conclusion:

The Netophathites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, are a testament to the diverse and interconnected nature of the tribes of Israel. Their presence in key genealogical and military lists highlights their integral role in the history and heritage of Judah.NETOPHATHI; NETOPHATHITES

ne-tof'-a-thi, ne-tof'-a-thits.

See NETOPHAH.

5200. Netophathi -- inhab. of Netophah
... 5199, 5200. Netophathi. 5201 . inhab. of Netophah. Transliteration: Netophathi
Phonetic Spelling: (net-o-faw-thee') Short Definition: Netophathite. ...
/hebrew/5200.htm - 6kNetophathi (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NETOPHATHI; NETOPHATHITES. ne-tof'-a-thi,
ne-tof'-a-thits. See NETOPHAH. Multi-Version Concordance Netophathi (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/netophathi.htm - 7k

Netophathite (9 Occurrences)

/n/netophathite.htm - 9k

Netophah (2 Occurrences)
... the Netophathites" are mentioned (1 Chronicles 9:16) as the dwellings of certain
Levites and (Nehemiah 12:28, the King James Version "Netophathi") of certain ...
/n/netophah.htm - 9k

Netophathites (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NETOPHATHI; NETOPHATHITES. ne-tof'-a-thi,
ne-tof'-a-thits. See NETOPHAH. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/n/netophathites.htm - 7k

Netophas

/n/netophas.htm - 6k

Circuit (27 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Nehemiah 12:28 and sons of the singers are gathered together even from the
circuit round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi, (YLT RSV). ...
/c/circuit.htm - 16k

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