The term "Netophathite" refers to the inhabitants of Netophah, a town in ancient Judah. The Netophathites are mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily in genealogical and military contexts. The exact location of Netophah is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to have been situated near Bethlehem, based on biblical and extrabiblical sources.

Biblical References:

1. Genealogical Context:
The Netophathites are first mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 2:54, the descendants of Salma are noted to include the Netophathites: "The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites." This indicates their integration into the broader family structure of Judah.

2. Military Context:
The Netophathites are also noted for their military contributions. In 2 Samuel 23:28-29, two of David's mighty warriors are identified as Netophathites: "Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite." This highlights their role in supporting King David, suggesting that they were a community of some significance and valor.

3. Post-Exilic Period:
After the Babylonian exile, the Netophathites are listed among those who returned to Judah. In Ezra 2:22 and Nehemiah 7:26, the returning exiles include "the men of Netophah," indicating their continued identity and presence in the land: "The men of Netophah, 56."

Cultural and Historical Significance:

The Netophathites, though not frequently mentioned, played a notable role in the history of Israel. Their inclusion in the genealogies of Judah and their association with David's mighty men suggest that they were a respected and integral part of the community. The return of the Netophathites from exile further underscores their enduring identity and commitment to the restoration of their homeland.

Notable Individuals:

· Maharai the Netophathite: One of David's mighty warriors, Maharai is listed among the elite group known as "The Thirty" (2 Samuel 23:28). His inclusion in this group signifies his bravery and skill in battle.

· Heled (or Heleb) son of Baanah the Netophathite: Another of David's mighty warriors, Heled is also part of "The Thirty" (2 Samuel 23:29). His mention alongside Maharai highlights the martial prowess of the Netophathites.

Theological Implications:

The Netophathites' presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the diverse and interconnected nature of the tribes of Israel. Their contributions to the military successes of King David and their resilience in returning from exile reflect themes of loyalty, courage, and faithfulness to God's promises. The Netophathites, though a small group, exemplify the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people and their role in His redemptive plan.Netophathite

an inhabitant of Neophah.

5200. Netophathi -- inhab. of Netophah
... Netophathi. 5201 . inhab. of Netophah. Transliteration: Netophathi Phonetic Spelling:
(net-o-faw-thee') Short Definition: Netophathite. ... Netophathite. ...
/hebrew/5200.htm - 6kNetophathite (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Netophathite (9 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:28 Zalmon the
Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/netophathite.htm - 9k

Netoph'ah (4 Occurrences)
... Neto'phah, Netoph'ah. Netophas . Multi-Version Concordance Netoph'ah (4
Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite; (See ...
/n/netoph'ah.htm - 7k

Netoph'athite (3 Occurrences)
Netoph'athite. Netophathite, Netoph'athite. Netophathites . Multi-Version
Concordance Netoph'athite (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25:23 ...
/n/netoph'athite.htm - 7k

Ma'harai (3 Occurrences)
... Maharai, Ma'harai. Mahath . Multi-Version Concordance Ma'harai (3 Occurrences).
2 Samuel 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, (See RSV). ...
/m/ma'harai.htm - 7k

Maharai (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Maharai (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite,
Maharai the Netophathite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/maharai.htm - 7k

Tanhumeth (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Consolation, a Netophathite; one of the captains
who supported Gedaliah (2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8). Int. ...
/t/tanhumeth.htm - 8k

Mahrai (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mahrai (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 11:30 Maharai the
Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, (See JPS). ...
/m/mahrai.htm - 6k

Ba'anah (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son
of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (See RSV). ...
/b/ba'anah.htm - 8k

Baanah (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai
of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV ...
/b/baanah.htm - 10k

Seraiah (18 Occurrences)
... (3.) One of David's scribes or secretaries (2 Samuel 8:17). (4.) A Netophathite
(Jeremiah 40:8), a chief priest of the time of Zedekiah. ...
/s/seraiah.htm - 17k

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