Harodite
Harodite is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Galilee in modern-day Israel. Known today as Khirbet el Harazan. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
The designation "Harodite" refers to individuals originating from the settlement of Harod, located in the region of Galilee near the spring of Harod at the foot of Mount Gilboa. In the biblical text this gentillic appears in the lists of David's mighty men — his elite warriors known as the Thirty — where two soldiers are identified by this hometown designation. In 2 Samuel 23:25, Shammah the Harodite and Elika the Harodite are both named among the celebrated warriors who served the king with extraordinary valor. The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 11 uses slightly variant spellings, which has led to minor textual discussion, but the identification with Harod is generally maintained by scholars. The presence of two Harodites in David's inner circle of warriors suggests that the village of Harod was a source of military talent and that its men were known for the kind of courageous service that earned inclusion among Israel's most honored soldiers. The Harodite warriors thus carry into David's era the legacy of the spring of Harod, where Gideon's three hundred had earlier demonstrated that true valor rested not in numbers but in faithfulness and skill.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
The site identified as Khirbet el Harazan lies in the vicinity of the spring 'Ein Jalud at the northwestern base of Mount Gilboa, placing it within the agricultural and military landscape of the Jezreel Valley. Surface surveys in this area have identified Iron Age pottery sherds consistent with occupation during the period of the Israelite monarchy, aligning with the era in which David's mighty men served. No systematic excavation of Khirbet el Harazan specifically has been published, but the broader Jezreel Valley has been extensively studied, revealing dense Iron Age settlement patterns that support the existence of multiple villages in this agriculturally rich corridor.
Verse Appearances (2)
2Sam
1Chr
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →