The Zorathites are a group of people mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically associated with the town of Zorah. Zorah was a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan, although it is also linked with the tribe of Judah in certain contexts. The Zorathites are primarily noted for their connection to several significant biblical figures and events.

Biblical References:

1. Genealogical Context:
The Zorathites are mentioned in genealogical records, which highlight their lineage and tribal affiliations. In 1 Chronicles 2:53, the Zorathites are listed among the descendants of Kiriath-jearim, indicating their connection to the broader clan structures within Israel: "The clans of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites. From these the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites descended."

2. Samson's Birthplace:
Zorah is notably recognized as the birthplace of Samson, one of the most famous judges of Israel. Judges 13:2 introduces Manoah, Samson's father, as a man from Zorah: "Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children." This connection underscores the Zorathites' role in the narrative of Samson, whose exploits against the Philistines are central to the Book of Judges.

3. Military Context:
The Zorathites are also mentioned in the context of David's mighty warriors. In 1 Chronicles 11:10, the chronicler lists the mighty men who supported David, and among them are individuals from Zorah, indicating their valor and importance in the military history of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Zorah's location in the Shephelah, a region of low hills between the coastal plain and the Judean mountains, placed it in a strategic position. This area was often a battleground between the Israelites and the Philistines, which may explain the martial prowess attributed to the Zorathites.

The dual association of Zorah with both the tribes of Dan and Judah reflects the complex tribal dynamics in ancient Israel. While Zorah was originally allotted to Dan (Joshua 19:41), it later appears in the context of Judah's territory, possibly due to shifting boundaries or population movements.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological efforts have identified the site of ancient Zorah with Tel Tzora, located near the Sorek Valley. Excavations have revealed remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era of the Judges. These findings provide a tangible connection to the biblical narrative and offer insights into the daily life and culture of the Zorathites.

Theological Significance:

The Zorathites, through their association with Samson, are part of the larger narrative of God's deliverance of Israel from its enemies. Samson's account, with its themes of divine strength and human weakness, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the complexities of His chosen instruments. The Zorathites, as part of this narrative, contribute to the unfolding account of God's covenant relationship with Israel.

In summary, the Zorathites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, are an integral part of the historical and theological tapestry of the Old Testament. Their legacy is preserved through their association with key biblical figures and events, reflecting the rich and diverse heritage of the people of Israel.ZORATHITES

zo'-rath-its (tsor`athi; Sarathaioi (1 Chronicles 2:53, the King James Version "Zareathites"), Codex Vaticanus ho Arathei; Codex Alexandrinus ho Sarathi (4 2)): The inhabitants of Zorah, who are said to be descended from Kiriath-jearim families.

6882. Tsori -- inhab. of Zorah
... of Zorah. Transliteration: Tsori or Tsorathi Phonetic Spelling: (tsor-ee') Short
Definition: Zorathites. ... of Zorah NASB Word Usage Zorathites (2), Zorites (1). ...
/hebrew/6882.htm - 6kZorathites (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZORATHITES. zo'-rath-its ... families.
Multi-Version Concordance Zorathites (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/z/zorathites.htm - 7k

Zo'rathites (2 Occurrences)
Zo'rathites. Zorathites, Zo'rathites. Zoreah . Multi-Version Concordance
Zo'rathites (2 Occurrences). ... These are the families of the Zorathites. (See RSV). ...
/z/zo'rathites.htm - 7k

Zorathite (1 Occurrence)
... Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the
Zorathites. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/z/zorathite.htm - 6k

Jahath (7 Occurrences)
... God) will snatch up"): (1) Son of Reaiah, son of Shobal, a descendant of Judah,
and father of Ahumai and Lahad, the families of the Zorathites (1 Chronicles 4:2 ...
/j/jahath.htm - 10k

Zorites (1 Occurrence)
... zo'-rits (tsor`i; Codex Vaticanus ho Hesarsei; Codex Alexandrinus ho Hesaraei):
In 1 Chronicles 2:54 for "Zorites" we should probably read ZORATHITES (which see ...
/z/zorites.htm - 7k

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
... 2:53 And the families of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, and the Puthites, and the
Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites, and the ...
/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm - 11k

Jearim (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the ...
/j/jearim.htm - 13k

Lahad (1 Occurrence)
... Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the
Zorathites. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/lahad.htm - 6k

Ithrite (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the ...
/i/ithrite.htm - 7k

Ithrites (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 2:53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites,
and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the ...
/i/ithrites.htm - 6k

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