Umm Tuba

Umm Tuba () is an Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem near Sur Baher, northeast of Bethlehem, with a population of 4,000. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Umm Tuba was incorporated into the municipal district of Jerusalem.WAC at Separation Wall in Jerusalem Based on archaeological finds, Umm Tuba was the site of the biblical city of Netofa (Netophah).
==Etymology==
The name of the Arab village, "Umm Tuba," is derived from the Byzantine era name, "Metofa," itself a derivation of the ancient Hebrew name Netofa. Netofa is mentioned in the Bible as the place from which two of King David's heroes originated (2 Samuel 23:28-29).Royal seal impressions from the First Temple period discovered south of Jerusalem, 23 Feb 2009 
==Early history==
Netofa was a prosperous Judean farming village in the period of the First Temple.Royal seal impressions from the First Temple period discovered south
of Jerusalem, 23 Feb 2009 An archaeological dig uncovered at least three royal seal impressions dating from the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah (eighth century BCE). At least two "LMLK" (belonging to the King) impressions and two personal seal impressions were discovered on handles of large jars of the type used to store wine and olive oil. Royal seal impressions from the First Temple period discovered south of Jerusalem, 23 Feb 2009 Artifacts dating to the Hasmonean period and remnants of a Byzantine-era monastery have also been found.Royal seal impressions from the First Temple period discovered south of Jerusalem, 23 Feb 2009 
==Biblical references==
Two of King David's heroes came from Netofa (2 Samuel 23:28-29). 
Fifty-six men from Netofa are recorded at the census of men of Israel upon return from exile (Ezra 2:22). In (Nehemiah 7:27,) they are counted together with the men of Bethlehem: The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
==Notable residents==
*Muhammad Abu Tirhttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/objects/pages/PrintArticleEn.jhtml?itemNo=670203
== References==
Category:Neighbourhoods of Jerusalem
Category:Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem
Category:Hebrew Bible places