Anathoth

AI summary: Anathoth matters chiefly because of Jeremiah. Although it appears in older territorial and priestly lists, its strongest significance comes from being the prophet's home and the place from which hostile voices rose against him. Jeremiah's connection with Anathoth also gives the town a role in one of the book's most memorable symbolic acts, the purchase of land as a sign of future restoration. Across the cross references, Anathoth is presented as a small town made important by its association with prophetic vocation, suffering, and hope.¹

The name of one of the cities of refuge, in the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 21:18). The Jews, as a rule, did not change the names of the towns they found in Palestine; hence this town may be regarded as deriving its name from the goddess Anat. It was the native place of Abiezer, one of David’s “thirty” (2 Sam. 23:27), and of Jehu, another of his mighty men (1 Chr. 12:3). It is chiefly notable, however, as the birth-place and usual residence of Jeremiah (Jer. 1:1; 11:21-23; 29:27; 32:7-9). It suffered greatly from the army of Sennacherib, and only 128 men returned to it from the Exile (Neh. 7:27; Ezra 2:23). It lay about 3 miles north of Jerusalem. It has been identified with the small and poor village of ‘Anata, containing about 100 inhabitants. ³