People from Arach(?)
The Archites were a people group mentioned in relation to the boundaries of Ephraim's territory and as the origin of Hushai, King David's friend and advisor.
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Also known as Archite · Arkite
The Archites were a people group mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in connection with the region near Bethel, a city located on the border between the territories of Ephraim and Benjamin. In Jos.16.2, the boundary of Ephraim's territory is described as extending from Bethel to Luz and going down from Janoah to Ataroth and to Naarah, reaching to Jericho and the Jordan River. This suggests that the Archites inhabited a region in the vicinity of Bethel.
The most prominent Archite mentioned in the Bible is Hushai, who is described as King David's friend and advisor. During Absalom's rebellion against David, Hushai remained loyal to the king and acted as a spy in Absalom's court. He successfully countered the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom's counselor, and played a crucial role in helping David regain the throne (2Samuel 15-17). Hushai's loyalty and wisdom were highly valued by David, as evidenced by his inclusion among the king's chief officials (1Ch.27.33).
Apart from these mentions, little is known about the Archites as a people group. Their association with the region near Bethel and the prominence of Hushai in David's court suggest that they may have been a significant clan or tribe within Israel during the time of the United Monarchy.
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6 verses in 3 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H0757
It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth.
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.
And Davidʼs friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
Ahithophel was the kingʼs counselor. Hushai the Archite was the kingʼs friend.
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.