The Hebrew word ʼalmân, represented by H488, conveys the meaning of being forsaken or discarded, stemming from a sense of bereavement. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular usage provides a focused and powerful statement about God's faithfulness.
The sole appearance of H488 is in Jeremiah 51:5, where it is used to make a profound declaration. The verse states that Israel H3478 and Judah H3063 have "not been forsaken" by their God, the LORD of hosts. This assurance is given in direct contrast to their condition, as the passage immediately notes that "their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel." The word is used in the negative to emphasize God's unwavering commitment despite His people's guilt.
The context of H488 is enriched by the words surrounding it in Jeremiah 51:5:
- H3478 Yisrâʼêl (Israel): The name for Jacob's posterity, "he will rule as God," representing the northern kingdom and the covenant people as a whole.
- H3063 Yᵉhûwdâh (Judah): Meaning "celebrated," this refers to the southern kingdom, with whom God also maintains His covenant.
- H3068 Yᵉhôvâh (the LORD): The Jewish national name of God, signifying the "self-Existent or Eternal" One who makes this promise.
- H817 ʼâshâm (sin): This word for "guilt" or "trespass offering" describes the state of the land, highlighting the reason they could have expected to be forsaken.
The theological weight of H488 is derived entirely from its specific use in Jeremiah 51:5.
- Enduring Covenant: The statement that Israel and Judah have not been forsaken underscores the permanence of God's covenant. Despite their profound sin H817, God's relationship with them as "his God" H430 remains intact.
- Divine Faithfulness vs. Human Unfaithfulness: The word creates a stark contrast. While the people have filled the land H776 with guilt, the LORD of hosts H6635 has not discarded them. His faithfulness is not dependent on their perfection.
- Assurance in Judgment: In a chapter focused on the judgment of Babylon, the assurance that God has not forsaken His own people serves as a message of hope and preservation for Israel and Judah, even in the face of their own transgressions.
In summary, H488 is a concise yet powerful term whose meaning is defined by its solitary biblical appearance. Used in the negative, it transforms a word for "forsaken" into a declaration of divine fidelity. Its placement in Jeremiah 51:5 serves as a critical reminder that God's commitment to His covenant people, Israel and Judah, is not nullified by their sin, establishing a foundational theme of God's steadfast love and mercy.
TRV