The Tirathites are mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the families of scribes residing in the town of Jabez. They are referenced in 1 Chronicles 2:55, which states: "The clans of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab."

Historical Context

The Tirathites, along with the Shimeathites and Sucathites, are identified as part of the Kenite lineage. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe with a close association with the Israelites, particularly during the time of the Judges. They are often linked to the Midianites and are believed to have been skilled in metalwork and other crafts. The Kenites' integration into Israelite society is seen as a testament to the inclusive nature of the Israelite community, which allowed for the assimilation of various groups who shared in the worship of Yahweh.

Role and Function

The specific role of the Tirathites, as indicated in 1 Chronicles 2:55, was that of scribes. Scribes in ancient Israel held a significant position as they were responsible for the recording, copying, and preservation of important documents, including legal texts, genealogies, and religious scriptures. The presence of scribal families like the Tirathites underscores the importance of literacy and record-keeping in maintaining the cultural and religious heritage of the Israelite people.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The mention of the Tirathites in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the value placed on preserving family lineage and tribal affiliations within the broader narrative of Israel's history. The association of the Tirathites with the Kenites and the house of Rechab suggests a continuity of faith and practice that transcended tribal boundaries. The Rechabites, known for their adherence to a nomadic lifestyle and abstention from wine, are commended in the book of Jeremiah for their faithfulness to their ancestral traditions (Jeremiah 35:6-10).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Tirathites in the biblical record serves as a reminder of God's providence in using diverse peoples and families to accomplish His purposes. The integration of the Tirathites into the community of Israel reflects the broader biblical theme of God's covenantal relationship with humanity, which is not limited by ethnic or cultural distinctions. The role of the Tirathites as scribes also points to the divine inspiration and preservation of Scripture, ensuring that God's word would be faithfully transmitted through generations.

In summary, the Tirathites, though briefly mentioned, represent a vital link in the chain of Israel's history, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of the sacred texts that form the foundation of the Judeo-Christian faith.TIRATHITES

ti'-rath-its (tir`athim; Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus, Argathieim; Lucian, Tharathei: A family of scribes that dwelt at Jabez (1 Chronicles 2:55). The three families mentioned in this verse (Tirathites, Shimathites and Sucathites) are taken by Jerome to be three different classes of religious functionaries-singers, scribes, recorders ("canentes atque resonances et in tabernaculis commorantes"). The Targum takes the same view, save that the "Sucathites" are those "covered" with a spirit of prophecy. Bertheau sees the Tirathites as "gate-keepers" (Aramaic tera` = Heb sha`ar). Keil holds the three names to be those of the descendants of unknown men named Tira, Shemei and Sucah. The passage seems too obscure to admit of interpretation.

Horace J. Wolf

8654. Tirathim -- a Kenite family
... 8653, 8654. Tirathim. 8655 . a Kenite family. Transliteration: Tirathim Phonetic
Spelling: (teer-aw-thee') Short Definition: Tirathites. ...
/hebrew/8654.htm - 6kTirathites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TIRATHITES. ti ... prophecy. Bertheau sees the
Tirathites as "gate-keepers" (Aramaic tera` = Heb sha`ar). ...
/t/tirathites.htm - 7k

Ti'rathites (1 Occurrence)
Ti'rathites. Tirathites, Ti'rathites. Tire . ... 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families
of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/t/ti'rathites.htm - 6k

Tiras (2 Occurrences)

/t/tiras.htm - 8k

Ken'ites (6 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez:
the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These ...
/k/ken'ites.htm - 8k

Jabez (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jabez (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families
of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/j/jabez.htm - 8k

Recab (12 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez:
the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These ...
/r/recab.htm - 10k

Su'cathites (1 Occurrence)
... Su'cathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/su'cathites.htm - 6k

Shim'e-athites (1 Occurrence)
... Shim'e-athites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that
dwelt at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/shim'e-athites.htm - 6k

Shimeathites (1 Occurrence)
... Shimeathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/shimeathites.htm - 8k

Sucathites (1 Occurrence)
... Sucathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/sucathites.htm - 7k

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