Who was Hotham in the Bible?

Hotham, called the Aroerite, was one of King David's mighty warriors, known for his military prowess and loyalty. He is listed among David's elite fighters in 1 Chronicles 11:44.

What does 'the Aroerite' mean for Hotham?

The title 'the Aroerite' indicates Hotham was from Aroer, a town east of the Jordan River. This designation distinguished him from others and connected him to a specific region within Israel's territory (Joshua 13:25).

Why is Hotham mentioned in the Bible?

Hotham is mentioned to highlight the brave and loyal men who supported David's kingdom. His inclusion in the list of mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 11) underscores the importance of collective strength and faithfulness in establishing David's reign.

Hotham

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleDavid's warrior

Hotham the Aroerite was listed among David's mighty warriors known for their military exploits.

Hotham

Biography

Hotham the Aroerite was a distinguished soldier numbered among David's elite corps of mighty warriors (gibborim), whose deeds of valor are catalogued in 1 Chronicles 11:44. He is identified as the father of Shama and Jeiel, two brothers who also served among David's warriors. The designation 'the Aroerite' indicates he hailed from Aroer, a town in the territory east of the Jordan, suggesting he may have come from a frontier region where martial skill was both necessary and celebrated. Though no specific battle exploits are recorded for Hotham himself, his inclusion in the elite roster of David's champions places him among the most formidable soldiers of Israel's golden age, men whose courage helped establish and defend David's kingdom.

Significance

Hotham the Aroerite represents the often-unnamed backbone of David's military success, the capable warriors whose collective valor made possible Israel's territorial consolidation and security. The listing of mighty warriors in 1 Chronicles 11 is not merely a military honor roll; it is a theological acknowledgment that God works through human courage and skill to accomplish his purposes for his people. Hotham's legacy as the father of fellow warriors Shama and Jeiel suggests a household devoted to the service of Israel's anointed king, embodying the generational faithfulness that sustained the Davidic kingdom. His story reminds readers that loyalty and courage, even when unheralded, make significant contributions to God's larger work in history.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 11:44

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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