Anathoth
“Answers (to prayers)”
Summary
A Levitical city and city of refuge in Benjamin, most notable as the birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah and the place of Abiathar's banishment.
☩Location and Description
Anathoth was a town belonging to the priests in the tribe of Benjamin, designated as a city of refuge with its suburbs. It lay about three Roman miles (approximately twenty stadia) north of Jerusalem, on the great road from the north. The site has been identified with the modern village of Anata, seated on a broad ridge of hills commanding an extensive view of the eastern slope of the mountains of Benjamin, including the Jordan valley and the northern part of the Dead Sea. Portions of ancient walls built of large hewn stones still remain, and its quarries continue to supply Jerusalem with building stones.
☩Notable Inhabitants
Anathoth was the birthplace and usual residence of the prophet Jeremiah, who came from the priests of that place. The prophet faced persecution from his own townspeople, against whom he prophesied judgment. It was also the native place of Abiezer and Jehu, two of David's mighty men. After Solomon dismissed Abiathar the priest for supporting Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne, he banished him to his fields in Anathoth.
☩After the Exile
The men of Anathoth returned from the Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel, numbering 128 according to the records. The town continued to be inhabited in the postexilic period. In Jerome's time, the place was still called "Anathoth of Jeremiah."
Related Verses18 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Anathoth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Anathoth," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Anathoth," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Anathoth," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).