from עָלַם; hidden; See also עַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה.; Almon, a place in Palestine;
Transliteration:ʻAlmôwn
Pronunciation:al-mone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5960}}`, transliterated as ʻAlmôwn (עַלְמוֹן), functions as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its etymology is deeply significant, deriving from the root `{{H5956}}` (עָלַם, 'alam), which conveys the primary sense of "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." Thus, the name ʻAlmôwn itself literally means "hidden" or "a place of hiding." This etymological connection suggests that the place may have been named for its secluded location, its obscurity, or perhaps some historical event that involved concealment or being out of sight. While it is a place name, its semantic root subtly imbues it with a sense of mystery or withdrawal, distinguishing it from locations with more overtly descriptive names. The Strong's entry also references עַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה (Almon-Diblathaimah), indicating a potential connection or a more complete designation, though `{{H5960}}` specifically refers to 'Almon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5960}}` 'Almon appears in two primary Old Testament passages, both within the context of the tribal allotments and the designation of Levitical cities.
1. **[[Joshua 21:18]]**: "Anathoth with its common-lands, and Almon with its common-lands: four cities." Here, 'Almon is explicitly listed among the cities given to the sons of Aaron (the Kohathite Levites) from the tribe of Benjamin. This verse is part of a detailed record of the cities allocated to the Levites, ensuring their dispersion among all the tribes for the purpose of religious instruction and service. The inclusion of "common-lands" (מִגְרָשֶׁיהָ, migrasheyha) indicates that these were not merely urban centers but included surrounding pasturage for their livestock, vital for their sustenance.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 6:60]]**: "and from the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its common-lands, and Alemeth with its common-lands, and Anathoth with its common-lands. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities." In the Masoretic Text, this verse lists "Alemeth" (עָלֶמֶת, `{{H5964}}`) where Joshua lists "Almon." While some textual variants and scholarly interpretations suggest `{{H5960}}` 'Almon and `{{H5964}}` Alemeth may refer to the same place or closely related locations, the `{{H5960}}` entry specifically points to 'Almon. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in reconstructing ancient geography and the fluidity of place names over time or across different textual traditions. Regardless, its placement in both accounts underscores its significance as a designated Levitical city within the territory of Benjamin. Its function was to house and support the priestly lineage, facilitating their presence and ministry throughout the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5960}}` is its root, `{{H5956}}` (עָלַם, 'alam), meaning "to hide" or "to be hidden." This root gives rise to several other significant Hebrew terms, each carrying a nuance of concealment or obscurity:
* `{{H5957}}` (עֶלֶם, 'elem): Can refer to youth (as a hidden or developing stage of life) or a secret/hidden thing.
* `{{H5959}}` (עַלְמָה, 'almah): A young woman, often translated as "virgin," perhaps implying a woman in a sheltered or unrevealed state, or one whose future is yet hidden.
* `{{H5769}}` (עוֹלָם, 'olam): Eternity or a long duration, signifying a time that is hidden from human perception, either in the past or future.
Conceptually, `{{H5960}}` 'Almon is related to the broader biblical themes of:
* **Levitical Cities**: These were crucial for the administrative and spiritual life of Israel, ensuring the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, were distributed among the tribes to perform their duties.
* **Tribal Allotments**: The meticulous division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ordered establishment of Israel as a nation.
* **Geographical Specificity**: The Bible's detailed naming of places underscores the historical reality of God's interaction with His people within a tangible world.
### Theological Significance
The existence and designation of `{{H5960}}` 'Almon as a Levitical city carry several theological implications:
1. **Divine Order and Provision**: The precise allocation of cities like 'Almon to the Levites demonstrates God's meticulous planning and provision for His chosen servants. Despite having no tribal land inheritance, the Levites were strategically placed throughout Israel, ensuring their sustenance and their ability to fulfill their priestly and teaching responsibilities. This reflects God's commitment to maintaining spiritual order and instruction among His people.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness**: The distribution of the land, including the Levitical cities, was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. 'Almon, though a seemingly minor place, is a tangible witness to God's faithfulness in bringing Israel into the promised land and establishing them according to His divine blueprint.
3. **The Hiddenness of God's Ways**: The name 'Almon, meaning "hidden," can subtly resonate with the theological concept of God's hidden wisdom or His ways that are often beyond human comprehension (e.g., [[Isaiah 55:8-9]]). While the city itself was a visible entity, its name might serve as a quiet reminder that God often works in ways that are not immediately apparent, or through seemingly insignificant places and people, to accomplish His grand purposes. The Levites, though central to worship, often operated in a less public, more "hidden" capacity of service and instruction compared to the kings or prophets.
4. **The Importance of Place**: The Bible's attention to specific geographical locations like 'Almon emphasizes the historical and incarnational nature of God's relationship with humanity. Salvation history unfolds in real places, among real people, grounding the divine narrative in the tangible world.
### Summary
`{{H5960}}` 'Almon is a significant proper noun in the Old Testament, designating a Levitical city located within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. Its name, derived from the Hebrew root `{{H5956}}` (עָלַם), means "hidden" or "a place of hiding," subtly hinting at its potential geographical seclusion or its role in the unfolding, often hidden, purposes of God. Appearing in [[Joshua 21:18]] and [[1 Chronicles 6:60]], 'Almon's designation as a city for the sons of Aaron underscores God's meticulous divine order, His faithful provision for the Levites, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land of Israel. While a seemingly minor detail, the inclusion of such specific geographical names like 'Almon enriches the biblical narrative, affirming the historical reality of God's interaction with His people and His sovereign orchestration of their settlement and spiritual life.
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