The term "Antothite" refers to an inhabitant of Anathoth, a town in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Anathoth holds significance in biblical history and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. The town is notably recognized as the birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah, as indicated in Jeremiah 1:1: "The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin."

Biblical References and Context

1. Anathoth in the Tribe of Benjamin: Anathoth is listed among the cities given to the Levites within the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 21:18). This allocation underscores its religious significance, as the Levites were the priestly tribe in Israel.

2. Notable Antothites: Several individuals identified as Antothites are mentioned in the genealogies and narratives of the Old Testament. Among them are:
· Abiezer the Anathothite: One of David's mighty warriors, as recorded in 2 Samuel 23:27 and 1 Chronicles 11:28. His inclusion among David's elite forces highlights the valor and military prowess associated with Antothites.
· Jehu the Anathothite: Another warrior listed among David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 12:3. His presence in this elite group further emphasizes the martial reputation of the Antothites.

3. Prophetic Significance: Anathoth's most famous resident, the prophet Jeremiah, played a crucial role in the spiritual and political life of Judah. His prophecies, often delivered with a message of repentance and warning, were deeply rooted in his identity as an Antothite. Jeremiah's connection to Anathoth is not merely geographical but also symbolic, representing the tension between his prophetic mission and the resistance he faced from his own people.

4. Historical and Theological Implications: The Antothites, through their association with figures like Jeremiah and David's warriors, are woven into the broader narrative of Israel's history. Anathoth's role as a Levitical city and its connection to prophetic ministry highlight the intertwining of religious and communal life in ancient Israel.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights

Anathoth's location, identified with the modern village of Anata, lies approximately 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Archaeological findings in the region provide insights into the daily life and historical context of the Antothites. The town's proximity to Jerusalem suggests its strategic and religious importance, serving as a link between the rural and urban centers of ancient Judah.

Conclusion

The Antothites, as residents of Anathoth, are integral to understanding the historical and spiritual landscape of the Old Testament. Their contributions to Israel's military, prophetic, and religious heritage reflect the multifaceted role of this small but significant community within the biblical narrative.Antothite

a dweller at Anathoth. (1 Chronicles 11:28; 12:3) [ANATHOTH]

An inhabitant of Anathoth, found only in 1 Chronicles 11:28; 12:3. In 2 Samuel 23:27 it is Anethothite; in 1 Chronicles 27:12, Anetothite. (R.V., "Anathothite.") ANTOTHITE

an'-toth-it: the King James Version form of ANATHOTHITE (which see) (thus the Revised Version (British and American)) (1 Chronicles 11:28; 1 Chronicles 12:3).

6069. Annethothi -- inhab. of Anathoth
... Word Origin from Anathoth Definition inhab. of Anathoth NASB Word Usage Anathoth
(1), Anathothite (4). of Anathoth, Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite. ...
/hebrew/6069.htm - 6kAntothite (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANTOTHITE. ...Antothite (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
11:28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite, (KJV WBS). ...
/a/antothite.htm - 8k

Berachah (2 Occurrences)
... 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and
Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite. ...
/b/berachah.htm - 7k

Antothijah (1 Occurrence)

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Anathothite (4 Occurrences)
... ANATHOTHITE. an'-a-thoth-it (ha-`annethothi): the Revised Version (British and American)
form of the King James Version Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite. ...
/a/anathothite.htm - 8k

Ants (1 Occurrence)

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Shemaab (1 Occurrence)
... 12:3 The head 'is' Ahiezer, and Joash, sons of Shemaab the Gibeathite, and Jeziel,
and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, (YLT). ...
/s/shemaab.htm - 6k

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