patrial from עֲדֻלָּם; an Adullamite or native of Adullam; Adullamite.
Transliteration:ʻĂdullâmîy
Pronunciation:ad-ool-law-mee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5726}}` (ʻĂdullâmîy) is a gentilic noun, meaning "an Adullamite" or "a native of Adullam." It is derived directly from the place name `{{H5725}}` (ʻĂdullâm), which refers to an ancient city in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. As a gentilic, its core meaning is strictly geographical and ethnic, identifying an individual by their place of origin. It does not possess an inherent moral or theological meaning beyond the context in which it is used. Its semantic range is therefore narrow, confined to denoting affiliation with the city of Adullam.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5726}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in connection with the patriarchal narratives and the early history of Israel.
* **Genesis 38:1, 12, 20:** The most notable and repeated occurrences are in the story of Judah and Tamar. Hirah is identified as Judah's "Adullamite friend" (רֵעַ, `{{H7453}}`) in [[Genesis 38:1]]. He serves as a trusted companion and intermediary for Judah, particularly in the matter of sending a kid from the flock to Tamar [[Genesis 38:12]] and later attempting to retrieve Judah's pledge [[Genesis 38:20]]. This portrayal suggests a level of integration and positive social interaction between Judah and the inhabitants of Adullam, indicating that Adullamites were not necessarily viewed as hostile outsiders but as part of the broader regional society.
* **Joshua 12:15:** While `{{H5726}}` itself does not appear here, Adullam is listed as one of the royal cities whose king was defeated by Joshua during the conquest of Canaan. This establishes Adullam's historical significance as an ancient, fortified city prior to its incorporation into Israelite territory.
* **1 Samuel 22:1-2:** The famous "Cave of Adullam" is where David sought refuge from King Saul, and where a diverse group of distressed, indebted, and discontented men gathered to him. Although these men are not explicitly called `{{H5726}}`, the location itself becomes iconic. It underscores Adullam's geographical suitability as a hideout, characterized by its caves, and its role as a gathering place for those outside the established order, from whom David would forge his army.
* **Nehemiah 11:30:** Adullam is mentioned as one of the towns re-inhabited by the people of Judah after the Babylonian exile, further confirming its continued existence and importance within the tribal territory of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5725}}` (ʻĂdullâm):** The city name itself, from which the gentilic `{{H5726}}` is derived. Understanding the history, geography, and strategic importance of Adullam (located in the Shephelah, known for its caves) is crucial for appreciating the contexts in which `{{H5726}}` appears.
* **`{{H7453}}` (rēaʻ):** "Friend," "companion," or "neighbor." This term is used to describe Hirah's relationship with Judah in [[Genesis 38:12]], highlighting the close social bonds that could exist between Israelites and the inhabitants of neighboring cities, even those from a non-Israelite background.
* **Gentilic Nouns:** `{{H5726}}` belongs to a class of Hebrew words (e.g., `{{H376}}` "Ishmaelite," `{{H4718}}` "Moabite") that identify individuals by their place of origin or ethnic group. These terms often carry implicit cultural, historical, or political associations relevant to the biblical narrative.
* **Refuge:** The concept of refuge, particularly associated with the Cave of Adullam, is a significant theme indirectly linked to the place. It signifies a safe haven for the marginalized and a place of formation for future leadership.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5726}}` is primarily derived from the narratives in which Adullamites or the city of Adullam play a role, rather than from an intrinsic meaning of the word itself.
* **Divine Providence in Human Relationships:** The story of Judah and Hirah the Adullamite in [[Genesis 38]] illustrates God's providential working through diverse human interactions, even those involving individuals outside the direct covenant line. Judah's actions, including his dealings with an Adullamite, are part of the complex lineage that leads to David and ultimately to the Messiah. The Adullamite is not portrayed negatively but as a participant in the unfolding drama of salvation history.
* **God's Use of the Marginalized:** The Cave of Adullam, while not directly naming `{{H5726}}`, is a powerful symbol. It represents a place where the rejected, distressed, and discontented find refuge under David's leadership. This narrative underscores God's ability to use unexpected people and places, often those considered lowly or outside the mainstream, to accomplish His purposes and raise up leaders for His people. It highlights a recurring biblical theme of divine strength being perfected in weakness.
* **Inter-Community Relations:** The depiction of Hirah as Judah's "friend" suggests a degree of social integration and positive interaction between early Israelites and the inhabitants of surrounding cities. This provides a nuanced view of relations between Israel and its neighbors, indicating that not all interactions were hostile, and that mutual trust and cooperation could exist.
### Summary
The term `{{H5726}}` (ʻĂdullâmîy) denotes an inhabitant of the ancient city of Adullam. While its direct occurrences are limited, particularly in the narrative of Judah and his Adullamite friend Hirah in [[Genesis 38]], it points to a significant locale in biblical history. Adullam was a strategic Canaanite city [[Joshua 12:15]] and, most famously, the site of the cave where David found refuge and gathered his followers [[1 Samuel 22:1-2]]. Therefore, the ʻĂdullâmîy represents an individual from a place deeply interwoven with Israel's story, from the patriarchal period through the monarchy. The word, simple in its geographical denotation, serves as a gateway to understanding broader themes of divine providence working through diverse human relationships, the formation of leadership from humble beginnings, and the complex interactions between Israel and its neighbors in the unfolding drama of God's redemptive plan.
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