Bible Dictionary
Ashurites
The Ashurites were a people mentioned among those ruled by Ish-bosheth after Saul’s death. The name may refer to the Asherites, the tribe of Asher.
Definition
The Ashurites were a people included in the short-lived kingdom over which Ish-bosheth was made king after Saul’s death. The name may represent the Asherites, the tribe of Asher.
Biblical Usage
They are mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:9 among those ruled by Ish-bosheth. A textual correction reads “Asherites,” a reading supported by the Targum of Jonathan.
Historical Background
The tribe of Asher lay in a position naturally suited to Ish-bosheth’s kingdom. The identifications with Geshurites, Assyria, or the Arabic Ashurim are rejected in the supplied material.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mentioned among those over whom Ish-bosheth was made king (2 Sam. 2:9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ash'-ur-its (ha-'ashuri): According to the Massoretic Text of 2Sa 2:9, a tribe included in the short-lived kingdom of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. A slight textual correction gives "Asherites," that is, the tribe of Asher; with this the Targum of Jonathan agrees. The tribe of Asher lay where it would naturally fall to Ish-bosheth's kingdom. The reading "Geshurites" (Vulgate and Syriac) is excluded by the known independence Of Geshur at this time (2Sa 3:3; 13:37). For similar reasons we cannot think of Assyria (Hebrew Asshur) nor of the Arabic Asshurim of Ge 25:3.</p>