patrial from a derivative of חָרַד (compare עֵין חֲרֹד); a Charodite, or inhabitant of Charod; Harodite.
Transliteration:Chărôdîy
Pronunciation:khar-o-dee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2733}}` (Chărôdîy) is a gentilic or patrial noun, indicating origin or inhabitancy. It is derived from a connection to the root `{{H2729}}` (charad), meaning "to tremble, be terrified, or be anxious," and specifically linked to the place name `{{H5878}}` (ʿĒyn Ḥărōd), "the Spring of Harod" or "Spring of Trembling." Therefore, a "Harodite" is an individual from the place named Harod, a location whose very name evokes the concept of trembling or quaking. This etymological link suggests a place potentially characterized by fear, or more profoundly, a place where trembling occurred, perhaps in a significant historical event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2733}}` (Chărôdîy) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times referring to the same individual, Shammah.
* In [[2 Samuel 23:25]], Shammah the Harodite is listed among "the thirty" mighty men of David, following Elika the Harodite (though Elika's name is often considered a textual variant or error, with some manuscripts omitting him or combining him with Shammah). This verse is part of a larger catalog of David's elite warriors, highlighting their bravery and loyalty.
* Similarly, in [[1 Chronicles 11:27]], Shammah the Harodite is again enumerated in the parallel list of David's mighty men. This repetition underscores his established identity and place within David's inner circle of valiant warriors.
In both contexts, the term serves primarily as a geographical identifier for Shammah, distinguishing him by his place of origin. The lists themselves are records of valor and service, and the inclusion of a man identified as a "Harodite" places him within the broader tapestry of Israel's tribal and regional identities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related terms are the root verb `{{H2729}}` (חָרַד - charad) and the geographical name `{{H5878}}` (עֵין חֲרֹד - ʿĒyn Ḥărōd).
* **`{{H2729}}` (charad):** This verb signifies a deep emotional or physical trembling, often associated with fear, anxiety, or awe. It can describe the quaking of the earth (e.g., [[1 Samuel 14:15]]), the trembling of individuals in fear (e.g., [[Genesis 42:28]]), or even a reverent awe before God (e.g., [[Isaiah 66:2]]). This root provides the semantic foundation for the name "Harod."
* **`{{H5878}}` (ʿĒyn Ḥărōd):** "The Spring of Harod" is a pivotal location in the book of Judges. It is specifically mentioned in [[Judges 7:1]] as the place where Gideon gathered his army before confronting the Midianites. This location is famous for the divine test where God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men, ensuring that the victory would be clearly attributed to Him and not to human strength. The name "Spring of Trembling" is often understood to refer to the fear and trembling experienced by the Israelites facing the vast Midianite horde, or perhaps the trembling of the Midianites themselves at God's miraculous intervention.
The connection between `{{H2733}}` (Chărôdîy) and `{{H5878}}` (ʿĒyn Ḥărōd) is crucial. Shammah the Harodite likely hailed from the vicinity of this significant spring, thus carrying a name that echoed a profound moment in Israel's history of faith and divine deliverance.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2733}}` (Chărôdîy) is a proper noun identifying a person's origin, its theological significance is deeply embedded in the etymology of "Harod" and its most famous biblical association: the Spring of Harod.
The "Spring of Trembling" (Ein Harod) serves as a powerful theological symbol. It was at this location that God intentionally induced "trembling" among Gideon's vast army by allowing the fearful to depart, and then further reduced the numbers to demonstrate that salvation belongs to the Lord, regardless of human strength or numbers ([[Judges 7:2-7]]). This event underscores themes of:
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ability to deliver His people with minimal human resources.
2. **Overcoming Fear with Faith:** The initial trembling of the Israelites was superseded by God's miraculous intervention, transforming potential defeat into glorious victory.
3. **Dependence on God:** The narrative at Ein Harod powerfully teaches that human weakness, when consecrated to God, becomes a conduit for divine power.
Therefore, Shammah the Harodite, one of David's mighty men, carried a name that implicitly linked him to a place where God's power was dramatically displayed amidst human fear and inadequacy. This subtle connection might suggest that even the most valiant human warriors are ultimately products of a divine economy where strength is made perfect in weakness, and where God's deliverance often begins in moments of human trembling. It serves as a reminder that the might of Israel's heroes was ultimately rooted in the God who had demonstrated His power at places like the Spring of Harod.
### Summary
`{{H2733}}` (Chărôdîy) is a gentilic noun meaning "a Harodite," an inhabitant of the place named Harod. Its etymology connects it to the Hebrew root `{{H2729}}` (charad), meaning "to tremble or quake." The most significant biblical association for "Harod" is with `{{H5878}}` (ʿĒyn Ḥărōd), the "Spring of Trembling," which was the site of Gideon's miraculous victory over the Midianites ([[Judges 7:1-7]]). In the biblical text, Shammah the Harodite is listed among David's mighty men ([[2 Samuel 23:25]], [[1 Chronicles 11:27]]). While primarily a geographical identifier, the name "Harodite" carries a subtle but profound theological echo. It links Shammah, a man of great strength, to a place where God demonstrated His sovereignty, turning human fear and weakness into a testament of divine power and deliverance. Thus, the "Harodite" stands as a reminder of God's ability to work through the seemingly inadequate, transforming trembling into triumph.
TRV