An'athoth is a significant location in biblical history, primarily known as a Levitical city within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. It holds particular importance due to its association with several notable biblical figures and events.

Biblical References and Significance:

1. Levitical City: An'athoth is first mentioned as one of the cities given to the Levites. In Joshua 21:18, it is listed among the cities allocated to the descendants of Aaron, the priestly line within the tribe of Levi: "Anathoth with its pasturelands, and Almon with its pasturelands—four cities."

2. Hometown of Abiathar: An'athoth is the hometown of Abiathar, one of the priests during the reign of King David. Abiathar's connection to An'athoth is significant, as he was a key religious figure who supported David during Absalom's rebellion (1 Kings 2:26).

3. Jeremiah the Prophet: Perhaps the most notable association with An'athoth is its connection to the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah was born in An'athoth, as stated in Jeremiah 1:1: "The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin." This connection underscores An'athoth's role as a center of prophetic activity and its influence on the spiritual life of Israel.

4. Prophetic Judgment: An'athoth is also mentioned in the context of divine judgment. In Jeremiah 11:21-23, the men of An'athoth are warned of impending disaster due to their opposition to Jeremiah's prophetic ministry: "Therefore this is what the LORD says about the men of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, 'You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.'"

5. Post-Exilic Period: After the Babylonian exile, An'athoth is noted as one of the towns where the returning exiles resettled. Nehemiah 7:27 records the return of the people of An'athoth: "The men of Anathoth, 128."

Geographical and Archaeological Insights:

An'athoth is traditionally identified with the modern village of Anata, located approximately 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem. The geographical proximity to Jerusalem highlights its strategic and religious significance throughout Israel's history. Archaeological findings in the area have provided insights into the settlement patterns and lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants.

Cultural and Theological Implications:

An'athoth's role as a Levitical city underscores the importance of the Levitical priesthood in maintaining the spiritual and religious life of Israel. The city's association with Jeremiah highlights the prophetic tradition and the challenges faced by prophets in delivering God's messages. The opposition Jeremiah faced from his own hometown serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of prophetic ministry and the resistance often encountered when proclaiming divine truth.

In summary, An'athoth is a city rich in biblical history, serving as a backdrop for significant religious, prophetic, and historical events. Its legacy is preserved through its connections to key biblical figures and its enduring presence in the narrative of Israel's spiritual journey.An'athoth (19 Occurrences)

Joshua 21:18
Anathoth with its suburbs, and Almon with its suburbs; four cities.
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2 Samuel 23:27
Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
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1 Kings 2:26
To Abiathar the priest the king said, "Go to Anathoth, to your own fields; for you are worthy of death. But I will not at this time put you to death, because you bore the ark of the Lord Yahweh before David my father, and because you were afflicted in all in which my father was afflicted."
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1 Chronicles 7:8
The sons of Becher: Zemirah, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jeremoth, and Abijah, and Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher.
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1 Chronicles 11:28
Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,
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1 Chronicles 12:3
The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite,
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1 Chronicles 27:12
The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
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Ezra 2:23
The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight.
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Nehemiah 7:27
The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight.
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Nehemiah 10:19
Hariph, Anathoth, Nobai,
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Nehemiah 11:32
at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
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Isaiah 10:30
Give a loud cry, daughter of Gallim; let Laishah give ear; let Anathoth give answer to her.
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Jeremiah 1:1
The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:
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Jeremiah 11:21
Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the men of Anathoth, who seek your life, saying, You shall not prophesy in the name of Yahweh, that you not die by our hand;
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Jeremiah 11:23
and there shall be no remnant to them: for I will bring evil on the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.
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Jeremiah 29:27
Now therefore, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who makes himself a prophet to you,
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Jeremiah 32:7
Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying, Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours to buy it.
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Jeremiah 32:8
So Hanamel my uncle's son came to me in the court of the guard according to the word of Yahweh, and said to me, Please buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption is yours; buy it for yourself. Then I knew that this was the word of Yahweh.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 32:9
I bought the field that was in Anathoth of Hanamel my uncle's son, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.
(See RSV)

An'athoth (19 Occurrences)
An'athoth. Anathoth, An'athoth. Anathothijah . Multi-Version Concordance
An'athoth (19 Occurrences). Joshua 21:18 Anathoth with ...
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Anathoth (16 Occurrences)

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Anathothijah (1 Occurrence)

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