Original Word: עֲתָךְ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: `Athak
Pronunciation: ah-thak'
Phonetic Spelling: (ath-awk')
KJV: Athach
NASB: Athach
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to sojourn]

1. lodging
2. Athak, a place in Israel

Athach

From an unused root meaning to sojourn; lodging; Athak, a place in Palestine -- Athach.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a place in Judah
NASB Translation
Athach (1).

עֲתָ֑ךְ proper name, of a location in Judah 1 Samuel 30:30 ᵐ5^A Αθαγ, ᵐ5^L Ναγεβ; HPS proposes עֲרָ֑ד; see עֶתֶר.

עתל (√ of following; perhaps = Assyrian atâlu, grow great, compare etellu, great, exalted; so Che^{Expos. Times, vii. 484, 568}; viii. 48).

Name and Location

Athach is the English rendering of a single ancient Hebrew place-name (Strong’s H6269) appearing only in 1 Samuel 30:30. While its precise site is no longer certain, the context situates it among the towns of the Negeb and the low hill country of Judah, within the general orbit of Ziklag, Hormah, Bor-ashan, and Hebron. Most scholars place it somewhere south or southwest of Hebron, on routes used by David while he dwelt among the Judean highlands and wildernesses. Suggestions include a location near modern Tell el-‘Attaq or within the basin of the Brook Besor, but no excavation has yet confirmed the identification.

Biblical Occurrence

1 Samuel 30 narrates David’s pursuit and defeat of the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag. After recovering the captives and spoils, David sent part of the plunder “to those in Hormah, to those in Bor-ashan, to those in Athach” (1 Samuel 30:30). The gifts acknowledged the hospitality and loyalty these communities had shown him during his fugitive years and forged further solidarity with Judah just as Saul’s reign was ending.

Historical Setting

1. Period: The closing months of Saul’s kingdom, c. 1010 BC.
2. Political climate: David, though anointed, was still regarded as an outlaw by Saul’s administration yet was rapidly gaining allegiance among Judean elders.
3. Military backdrop: The Amalekite raid (1 Samuel 30:1-2) revealed ongoing threats from nomadic enemies. David’s counter-attack not only rescued his people but also amassed resources to strengthen ties across southern Judah, including Athach.

Geographical and Archaeological Notes

• Close proximity to other Judean or Simeonite towns listed in Joshua 15 and 19 suggests Athach may have functioned as a satellite village or fortified outpost guarding pastureland.
• The limited reference implies Athach was neither a cultic center nor a major administrative hub, but rather a small settlement whose significance rose because of its relationship to David.
• Modern archaeological surveys of the Beersheba basin and the Shephelah occasionally note unidentified Iron-Age ruins that could match Athach, yet none have yielded an inscription bearing the name.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Generosity with Spoils: David’s distribution embodies the principle later codified for Israel’s kings—to shepherd rather than exploit their people (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). His act anticipates the messianic pattern: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away and gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8).
2. Covenantal Solidarity: By sending portions to Athach and neighboring towns, David honored past support and knit the tribes together. The episode models purposeful investment in relationships for the advance of God’s kingdom.
3. Faithful Remembrance: Though Athach appears only once, Scripture’s record affirms that even obscure communities are known to God. He remembers every act of faithfulness, no matter how hidden (Hebrews 6:10).

Lessons for Today

• Strategic generosity cements partnerships for future ministry. Churches and believers who have received blessing from the Lord should emulate David’s example, sharing resources with those who have labored alongside them.
• Small places and unnamed believers matter in the unfolding of redemptive history. Ministry in out-of-the-way locales, like Athach, is integral to the larger work God is accomplishing.
• Leaders are called to honor past relationships, recognizing that present success often rests on the hospitality and prayers of others.

Summary

Athach, though mentioned only once, stands as a witness to David’s gratitude and statesmanship, highlighting the Biblical themes of generosity, covenant loyalty, and divine remembrance. Its fleeting appearance reminds readers that every locality and individual, however obscure, has a place in God’s sovereign narrative.

בַּעֲתָֽךְ׃ בעתך׃ ba‘ăṯāḵ ba·‘ă·ṯāḵ baaTachInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts