Hereth, The Forest Of
LocationsGeographical Setting
Hereth is a geographical location mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:5 as a destination for David during his flight from King Saul.
What is the meaning of Hereth, The Forest Of in the Bible?
The prophet Gad instructed David to leave the area of Mizpah in Moab and proceed to the land of Judah, where he arrived at the forest of Hereth; the Septuagint translation identifies this site as a city rather than a forest.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Hereth helps clarify the specific route David took during his early years of evasion, illustrating the strategic use of the Judean wilderness for concealment and survival.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Hereth, The Forest Of held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hereth, The Forest Of in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hereth, The Forest Of clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hereth, The Forest Of." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hereth-the-forest-of/