The Hebrew word Bᵉʻâlôwth, represented by H1175, is a term used to identify a place in Palestine. Its base definition is "mistresses" and it is used as the proper name Bealoth, with a variant usage noted as "in Aloth." It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
In the biblical narrative, H1175 is used exclusively as a place name. In its first appearance, Bealoth is listed among other locations, specifically Ziph and Telem, as part of a geographical catalog Joshua 15:24. The second instance appears in a slightly different form, "in Aloth," designating a region within the territory of Asher that was administered by Baanah the son of Hushai 1 Kings 4:16. Both contexts establish it as a specific location within ancient Israel.
Several words appear in direct connection with the locations identified by H1175, helping to establish its geographical and administrative context:
- H2128 Zîyph: Defined as a place in Palestine, it is listed directly alongside Bealoth in a geographical record Joshua 15:24.
- H2928 Ṭelem: The name of a place in Idumaea, also mentioned with Bealoth Joshua 15:24.
- H1195 Baʻănâʼ: The name of an Israelite official, Baanah, who administered the region that included Aloth 1 Kings 4:16.
- H836 ʼÂshêr: The name of a son of Jacob and the tribe descended from him, whose territory included Aloth 1 Kings 4:16.
- H1121 bên: Meaning son, this word is used to establish the lineage of the administrator Baanah as the "son of Hushai" 1 Kings 4:16.
The significance of H1175 is found not in the word itself, but in the contexts where it appears.
- Territorial Inheritance: Its inclusion in the book of Joshua signifies its role as part of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel. The listing of towns like Bealoth serves as a record of the specific territories within the promised land Joshua 15:24.
- Civil Administration: The mention of Aloth in 1 Kings places it within the organized administrative districts of the Israelite kingdom. It demonstrates the structure and governance of the nation, with officials like Baanah appointed over specific regions 1 Kings 4:16.
In summary, H1175 is a Hebrew term for a place name that appears in two distinct but related contexts. As Bealoth, it is part of the territorial lists in Joshua, and as Aloth, it is an administrative district in 1 Kings. While not a word with deep theological meaning on its own, its presence in Scripture helps to ground the biblical narrative in specific geography and history, marking it as a location within the land of Israel and part of its civil structure.
TRV