Gitta'im
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Overview:
Gitta'im is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically within the context of the narratives surrounding the tribes of Israel. The name "Gitta'im" is believed to mean "two winepresses" or "double winepress," indicating a place associated with agricultural activity, particularly the production of wine. The exact location of Gitta'im is not definitively known, but it is referenced in the context of the tribal territories and historical events of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:
Gitta'im is mentioned in the Bible in 2 Samuel 4:3. The passage provides insight into the historical and geographical significance of the location during the time of King David.

· 2 Samuel 4:3 : "and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day."

This verse occurs in the narrative concerning the Beerothites, who were part of the Gibeonite confederation. After the death of King Saul, the Beerothites fled to Gitta'im, where they resided as foreigners. This movement was part of the larger political and social upheavals during the transition of power from the house of Saul to David.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Gitta'im's mention in the context of the Beerothites suggests it was a place of refuge during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. The Beerothites, originally from Beeroth, one of the cities of the Gibeonites, sought safety in Gitta'im following the instability that accompanied the decline of Saul's reign and the rise of David as king.

The reference to Gitta'im as a place where the Beerothites lived "as foreigners" indicates that it was outside their original territory, highlighting the displacement and migration patterns common in the ancient Near East due to political changes and conflicts.

Geographical Considerations:
The precise location of Gitta'im remains uncertain, as it is not extensively detailed in biblical or extrabiblical sources. Some scholars suggest it may have been located in the region of Benjamin, given its association with the Beerothites and the broader narrative of the tribes of Israel. However, without archaeological evidence or additional textual references, the exact site of Gitta'im cannot be conclusively identified.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Gitta'im in the Bible underscores themes of displacement, refuge, and the transient nature of human settlements in the face of divine providence and historical events. The movement of the Beerothites to Gitta'im reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over the nations and His unfolding plan for Israel, even amidst political turmoil and change.

Gitta'im serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine purpose and human agency, as well as the enduring hope for stability and peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Concordance
Gitta'im (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 4:3
and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have been sojourners there until this day.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Gitta'im (1 Occurrence)
Gitta'im. Git'taim, Gitta'im. Gittite . Multi-Version Concordance
Gitta'im (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 4:3 and the Beerothites fled ...
/g/gitta'im.htm - 6k

Gittite (10 Occurrences)

/g/gittite.htm - 10k

Git'taim (1 Occurrence)
Git'taim. Gittaim, Git'taim. Gitta'im . Multi-Version Concordance ... Nehemiah
11:33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim; (See RSV). Gittaim, Git'taim. Gitta'im . ...
/g/git'taim.htm - 6k

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Gittaim
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