The Archites were a clan or family group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribe of Benjamin. The most notable reference to the Archites is found in the genealogical and narrative records of the Bible, where they are associated with certain key figures in Israel's history.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference to the Archites is found in 2 Samuel 15:32, which mentions Hushai the Archite. Hushai is described as a friend and loyal advisor to King David. The passage states: "Now when David reached the summit where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head" . This indicates Hushai's deep mourning and solidarity with David during Absalom's rebellion.

Another reference to the Archites is found in Joshua 16:2, which describes the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Ephraim. The passage mentions the border extending to "Ataroth-addar, as far as Upper Beth-horon," and includes the mention of the Archites in the context of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Archites, as a family or clan, were likely a subgroup within the larger tribal structure of Israel. Their mention in the context of the tribe of Benjamin suggests that they were integrated into the socio-political landscape of ancient Israel. The role of Hushai the Archite as a counselor to King David highlights the potential influence and significance of this group within the royal court.

Hushai's involvement in the events surrounding Absalom's rebellion is particularly noteworthy. As a trusted advisor, Hushai played a crucial role in countering the counsel of Ahithophel, another advisor who had sided with Absalom. Hushai's loyalty to David and his strategic acumen are evident in 2 Samuel 17:14, where it is recorded: "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster upon Absalom" .

Theological Significance

The narrative involving Hushai the Archite underscores themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. Hushai's faithfulness to David, despite the political turmoil, reflects the biblical ideal of steadfastness and allegiance to God's anointed king. Moreover, the account demonstrates how God can use individuals and their actions to accomplish His divine will, even in the midst of human conflict and rebellion.

In summary, the Archites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, are represented through the figure of Hushai, whose actions and loyalty to King David provide insight into the dynamics of ancient Israelite society and the unfolding of God's plan for His people.ARCHITES

ar'-kits (ha-'arki; the King James Version Archi): A clan mentioned in connection with the marking of the southern boundary of Joseph (Joshua 16:2). The phrase (gebhul ha-'arki `aTaroth) offers difficulties, and it has been suggested that the order of the last two words be changed to read "the border of Ataroth-of-the-Archites." See ATAROTH. G. A. Smith identifies Ataroth with the present Atara on the high road from Jerusalem to Bethel, three and one-half miles South of Bethel and six East of the upper Beth-horon. Hushai, the "friend" of David, was an Arcbite (2 Samuel 16:16).

H. J. Wolf

757. Arki -- a native of a place in Palestine
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a native of a place in Pal.
NASB Word Usage Archite (5), Archites (1). Archi, Archite. ...
/hebrew/757.htm - 6k

We must Guard against Anger, Before it Arises; if it Has Already ...
... He relates what Archites said, and shows that David led the way in this matter,
both in his actions and in his writings. 90. Let anger be guarded against. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxi we must guard.htm

Archites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARCHITES. ar'-kits (ha-'arki ... 16:16). HJ Wolf.
Multi-Version Concordance Archites (1 Occurrence). Joshua 16 ...
/a/archites.htm - 7k

Archi (1 Occurrence)
... the nether. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARCHI. ar'-ki. See ARCHITES.
Multi-Version Concordance Archi (1 Occurrence). Joshua 16 ...
/a/archi.htm - 7k

Luz (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:2 It went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the
Archites to Ataroth; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/luz.htm - 11k

Beth-el (65 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:2 and it went out from Beth-el to Luz, and passed along unto the
border of the Archites to Ataroth; (ASV BBE JPS WBS YLT). ...
/b/beth-el.htm - 27k

Beth-el-luz (1 Occurrence)
... Beth-el-luz (1 Occurrence). Joshua 16:2 and it went out from Beth-el to Luz, and
passed along unto the border of the Archites to Ataroth; (See JPS). ...
/b/beth-el-luz.htm - 6k

Arkites (3 Occurrences)
... NIV). Joshua 16:2 It went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the
border of the Archites to Ataroth; (See NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/a/arkites.htm - 6k

Ataroth (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:2 It went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the
Archites to Ataroth; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/ataroth.htm - 10k

Architrave (1 Occurrence)

/a/architrave.htm - 7k

At'aroth (4 Occurrences)
... See RSV). Joshua 16:2 It went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to
the border of the Archites to Ataroth; (See RSV). Joshua 16 ...
/a/at'aroth.htm - 7k

Passes (74 Occurrences)
... sea. (See RSV). Joshua 16:2 And it went out from Beth-el-luz, and passed
along unto the border of the Archites to Ataroth. (See RSV). ...
/p/passes.htm - 28k

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