Bible Dictionary
ARCHITES
The Archites were a clan associated with the boundary of Joseph’s inheritance. Hushai, David’s friend, is also identified as an Archite.
Definition
The Archites were a clan connected with the boundary of Joseph’s inheritance. The name appears in a difficult boundary expression that may mean “Ataroth-of-the-Archites.”
Biblical Usage
The Archites are mentioned in connection with the southern boundary of Joseph. Hushai, David’s friend, is also identified as an Archite.
Historical Background
A proposed identification places Ataroth at present-day Atara, south of Bethel and east of Beth-horon, though the wording and boundary location present difficulties.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar'-kits (ha-'arki; the King James Version Archi): A clan mentioned in connection with the marking of the southern boundary of Joseph (Jos 16:2). The phrase (gebhul ha-'arki `aTaroth) 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).</p><p>H. J. Wolf</p>