Archites אַרְכִּי
Inhabitants of a region near Bethel
Who is Archites in the Bible?
The Archites were a people group inhabiting a region near Bethel in the territory between Ephraim and Benjamin during Old Testament times, as referenced in the boundary descriptions of Joshua 16:2. The most notable Archite mentioned in Scripture is Hushai, King David's trusted advisor and friend, who played a pivotal role during Absalom's rebellion by remaining loyal to David and strategically countering the counsel of Ahithophel in Absalom's court (2 Samuel 15:32, 16:16, 17:5, 17:14, and 1 Chronicles 27:33). Through Hushai's wisdom and loyalty, God preserved David's kingdom during one of its most turbulent periods, demonstrating how faithfulness in counsel can decisively influence the course of history.
Biography
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 (2 Samuel 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.
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentJoshua 1 verse
- Joshua 16:2
"It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth."
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2 Samuel 4 verses
- 2 Samuel 15:32
"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."
- 2 Samuel 16:16
"And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”"
- 2 Samuel 17:5
"Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”"
- 2 Samuel 17:14
"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."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 27:33
"Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | אַרְכִּי |
Archites
oth) offers difficulties, and it has been suggested that the order of the last two words be changed to read "the border of Ataroth-of-the-Archites." See ATAROTH. G. A. Smith identifies Ataroth with the present Atara on the high road from Jerusalem to Bethel, three and one-half miles South of Bethel and six East of th e upper Beth-horon. Hushai, the "friend" of David, was an Arcbite (2Sa 16:16).
H. J. Wolf
ar'-kivs (the more correct the Revised Version (British and American) rendition of beth ciphrayya', in Ezr 6:1, "house of the archives" instead of "house of rolls" as in the King J