The Hebrew word ʻAzmâveth, represented by H5820, is defined as strong one of death. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. This name is used to identify both specific Israelite individuals and a place in Palestine.
In the biblical narrative, H5820 is used to identify multiple people and one location. As a personal name, Azmaveth is listed as one of David's mighty men, called the Barhumite 2 Samuel 23:31 or the Baharumite 1 Chronicles 11:33. He is also noted as an overseer of the king's treasures 1 Chronicles 27:25 and as the father of two warriors, Jeziel and Pelet 1 Chronicles 12:3. In genealogies, Azmaveth is recorded as a descendant of Ahaz (1 Chronicles 8:36, 1 Chronicles 9:42). As a place, Azmaveth is where singers built villages after the exile Nehemiah 12:29, and its inhabitants are listed as "the children of Azmaveth" in a census of returnees Ezra 2:24.
Several related words help clarify the context of H5820, particularly in establishing lineage and relationships:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is crucial for showing familial ties. Azmaveth is called "the son of Adiel" 1 Chronicles 27:25, and his descendants are identified as "the sons of Azmaveth" 1 Chronicles 12:3 and "the children of Azmaveth" Ezra 2:24.
- H3205 yâlad (to beget): This primitive root is used to document lineage. In the official records, an ancestor begat Azmaveth, cementing his position within the genealogy of Ahaz (1 Chronicles 8:36, 1 Chronicles 9:42).
The significance of H5820 lies in its contribution to Israel's historical and genealogical records.
- Genealogical Marker: The name serves as an important link in the lineage of Ahaz. The specific mention that an ancestor begat Azmaveth helps preserve the family lines of Israel (1 Chronicles 8:36, 1 Chronicles 9:42).
- Service to the Kingdom: Individuals named Azmaveth are associated with roles of great responsibility and skill, including an overseer of the king's treasures 1 Chronicles 27:25 and one of David's respected mighty men 2 Samuel 23:31.
- Post-Exilic Community: The name also identifies a community of people who were part of the restoration of Judah. The "children of Azmaveth" are counted among those who returned from exile Ezra 2:24, and the place itself was part of the resettlement effort around Jerusalem Nehemiah 12:29.
In summary, H5820 is a proper name that functions as both a personal and geographical identifier in the Old Testament. It is consistently tied to specific individuals of importance, including warriors and administrators, as well as a location that was part of the community's restoration after the exile. Through its use in genealogies, military lists, and census records, the name Azmaveth plays a key role in documenting the lineage, service, and reconstitution of the nation of Israel.
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