Topical Encyclopedia Netophah is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily recognized as a town in the tribal territory of Judah. It holds significance due to its association with notable biblical figures and its mention in genealogical records.Biblical References: 1. 1 Chronicles 2:54 · Netophah is mentioned in the genealogical records of the descendants of Judah. The passage states: "The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-Joab, half of the Manahathites, the Zorites." This indicates that Netophah was closely associated with Bethlehem and was part of the broader family lineage of Judah. 2. 1 Chronicles 9:16 · The town is again referenced in the context of the Levites who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The verse reads: "Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites." This suggests that Netophah was a place where some of the Levites resided. 3. Nehemiah 7:26 · In the list of those who returned from exile with Zerubbabel, the Netophathites are mentioned: "The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188." This highlights the town's continued existence and the presence of its inhabitants during the post-exilic period. 4. 2 Samuel 23:28-29 · Netophah is noted in the account of David's mighty warriors. Two of his valiant men, Maharai and Heleb, are identified as Netophathites: "Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heleb son of Baanah the Netophathite." This association with David's warriors underscores the town's contribution to Israel's military history. Historical and Geographical Context: Netophah is believed to have been located near Bethlehem, within the hill country of Judah. Its exact location remains uncertain, but it is generally thought to have been a small village or settlement. The town's proximity to Bethlehem suggests it may have played a role in the agricultural and pastoral activities of the region. Cultural and Religious Significance: The mention of Netophah in the context of genealogies and the return from exile indicates its importance in maintaining the tribal and familial identities of the people of Judah. The town's association with the Levites and David's warriors reflects its integration into the religious and military fabric of ancient Israel. Netophah's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights the interconnectedness of the various towns and families within the tribe of Judah. Its residents' participation in significant events, such as the return from exile and the service in David's army, illustrates the town's contribution to the broader history of Israel as recorded in the Scriptures. Concordance Neto'phah (2 Occurrences)Ezra 2:22 Nehemiah 7:26 Thesaurus Neto'phah (2 Occurrences)Neto'phah. Netophah, Neto'phah. Netoph'ah . Multi-Version Concordance Neto'phah (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six. (See RSV). ... /n/neto'phah.htm - 6k Netophah (2 Occurrences) Netoph'ah (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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