Tirathite
Who they were
The Tirathites are mentioned briefly in 1Ch.2.55 as one of the Kenite clans who were descendants of Salma, the father (ie founder) of Bethlehem. The passage states, "The clans of scribes who lived at Jabez were the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These were the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab."
This verse suggests that the Tirathites, along with the Shimeathites and Sucathites, were Kenite clans known for their scribal skills. Scribes in ancient Israel were responsible for writing, copying, and interpreting documents, including religious texts and legal contracts. The mention of these clans living in Jabez, a town associated with the Kenites, indicates that they may have been recognized for their expertise in this profession.
The Kenites were a nomadic tribe closely associated with the Israelites, known for their metalworking and scribal abilities. Some notable Kenites in the Bible include Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, and Heber, whose wife Jael killed the Canaanite general Sisera.
Apart from this brief mention in 1 Chronicles, no further information is provided about the Tirathites in the Bible. Their inclusion in this genealogical record highlights the diverse skills and professions within the Israelite community and the importance of scribal work in preserving and transmitting religious and cultural traditions.
Every mention
1 Chronicles 1 mention
Sources
- STEPBible TIPNR · Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References · CC BY 4.0 · github.com/STEPBible/STEPBible-Data