Anthothijah
Anthothijah was a descendant of Benjamin, mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin.
Biography
Anthothijah was a son of Shashak and a descendant of Benjamin, listed in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 8:24-25. His name appears to be derived from or related to the priestly town of Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin, suggesting a geographic or familial connection to that settlement. He is one of several brothers enumerated as heads of families who lived in Jerusalem according to the Chronicler's genealogical arrangement. Beyond this single occurrence in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles, nothing else is known of Anthothijah's life, deeds, or descendants. His inclusion in the record indicates he held enough significance within his family and clan to be counted among the notable sons of Shashak during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Significance
Anthothijah's appearance in the Benjaminite genealogy of 1 Chronicles reflects the Chronicler's careful attention to tribal completeness, particularly regarding Benjamin, the tribe that produced Israel's first king, Saul, and later became the tribe of the apostle Paul. The preservation of names like Anthothijah served practical purposes for post-exilic Israelites seeking to reestablish tribal identity, land claims, and communal belonging. Even figures who leave no narrative footprint in Scripture are part of the living record of God's covenant people. Anthothijah's name, echoing the town of Anathoth, also quietly connects the Benjaminite genealogy to a location that would later gain prominence as the birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah.
Verse Appearances (1)
1 Chronicles
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]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]