The Zareathites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the tribe of Judah. Their name is derived from Zareah, also known as Zorah, a town in the Shephelah region of Judah. This area is historically significant as it is associated with several notable biblical figures and events.

Biblical References:

The Zareathites are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:53: "The clans of Kiriath-jearim were the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites, and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites." . This passage places the Zareathites within the broader context of the descendants of Judah, highlighting their connection to the town of Zorah.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Zorah, the town associated with the Zareathites, is located in the lowland region of Judah, known as the Shephelah. This area served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands, making it a strategically important location throughout Israel's history. Zorah is notably recognized as the birthplace of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, as recorded in Judges 13:2: "There was a certain man from Zorah, from the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had no children." .

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The Zareathites, as part of the tribe of Judah, would have shared in the cultural and religious heritage of the Israelites. This includes adherence to the Mosaic Law, participation in the religious festivals, and involvement in the communal worship practices centered around the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The tribe of Judah held a prominent position among the tribes of Israel, being the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

Role in Israel's History:

While the Zareathites themselves are not frequently mentioned in the biblical narrative, their association with Zorah ties them to significant events and figures in Israel's history. The town's connection to Samson, a judge who delivered Israel from Philistine oppression, underscores the Zareathites' place within the larger account of God's deliverance and faithfulness to His people.

In summary, the Zareathites represent a clan within the tribe of Judah, linked to the town of Zorah. Their mention in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights their role in the tribal structure of ancient Israel and their connection to the significant biblical narrative surrounding the judges and the tribe of Judah.ZAREATHITES

za-re'a-thits.

See ZORATHITES.

6882. Tsori -- inhab. of Zorah
... Word Origin from Tsorah Definition inhab. of Zorah NASB Word Usage Zorathites
(2), Zorites (1). Zorites, Zareathites, Zorathites. ...
/hebrew/6882.htm - 6kZareathites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZAREATHITES. za-re'a-thits. See ZORATHITES.
Multi-Version Concordance Zareathites (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zareathites.htm - 6k

Zareathite (1 Occurrence)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the ...
/z/zareathite.htm - 6k

Zared (1 Occurrence)

/z/zared.htm - 6k

Zorathites (2 Occurrences)
... zo'-rath-its (tsor`athi; Sarathaioi (1 Chronicles 2:53, the King James Version
"Zareathites"), Codex Vaticanus ho Arathei; Codex Alexandrinus ho Sarathi (4 2 ...
/z/zorathites.htm - 7k

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the ...
/k/kirjathjearim.htm - 13k

Eshtaulite (1 Occurrence)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the ...
/e/eshtaulite.htm - 6k

Eshtaulites (1 Occurrence)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the ...
/e/eshtaulites.htm - 7k

Puhites (1 Occurrence)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the ...
/p/puhites.htm - 6k

Puhite (1 Occurrence)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the ...
/p/puhite.htm - 6k

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