Anathothijah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. His name appears in the context of the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which holds significant importance in the biblical narrative due to its association with key figures and events in Israel's history.

Biblical Reference:

Anathothijah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:24, which is part of a detailed genealogical account of the tribe of Benjamin. The verse reads: "Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah" . This passage is part of a larger section that traces the lineage of Benjamin, providing insight into the familial structures and notable descendants within the tribe.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name Anathothijah is believed to be derived from the Hebrew roots "Anathoth" and "Yah," which could be interpreted as "Yahweh has answered" or "Yahweh is my answer." The prefix "Anathoth" is also associated with a town in the territory of Benjamin, which was designated as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:18). This connection suggests that Anathothijah may have had ties to this region, either through lineage or residence.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israel's history. It was the smallest of the tribes but produced significant leaders, including King Saul, Israel's first king. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the continuity and heritage of the tribes, emphasizing their roles in the unfolding account of God's covenant with Israel.

Anathothijah's mention, though brief, contributes to the broader tapestry of Israel's history by affirming the presence and continuity of the Benjamite lineage. The genealogies in Chronicles were likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, a period when re-establishing tribal identities and connections to the land was crucial for the returning exiles.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Anathothijah in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every individual within God's covenant community. Each name, though sometimes obscure, represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan for Israel. The genealogies remind readers of God's faithfulness to His promises and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

Conclusion:

While Anathothijah is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the meticulous care with which the chronicler documented the lineage of the tribes of Israel. This attention to detail serves to reinforce the themes of identity, heritage, and divine faithfulness that permeate the biblical text.Anathothijah (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 8:24
And Hananiah and Elam and Anathothijah
(BBE)

Anathothijah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Anathothijah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
8:24 And Hananiah and Elam and Anathothijah (BBE). ...
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An'athoth (19 Occurrences)
An'athoth. Anathoth, An'athoth. Anathothijah . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Anathoth, An'athoth. Anathothijah . Reference Bible.
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Anathothite (4 Occurrences)

/a/anathothite.htm - 8k

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