The Hebrew place name ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh, represented by H5963, refers to Almon-Diblathajemah, a location in Moab. The name itself suggests a direction, "Almon towards Diblathajim." It appears just 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively marking a specific stop in the Israelites' journey.
The two occurrences of H5963 are found in the travel log of the Israelites in the book of Numbers. It is mentioned as a place of encampment after they removed H5265 from Dibongad H1769 Numbers 33:46. Immediately following, they removed H5265 from Almondiblathaim and pitched H2583 their camp in the mountains H2022 of Abarim H5682 Numbers 33:47. This context positions it as a temporary stopping point on their path through Moab.
Several related words clarify the location's role in the Israelites' journey:
- H1769 Dîybôwn: Meaning "pining; Dibon," this is the name of the location the Israelites journeyed from just before setting up camp at Almondiblathaim Numbers 33:46.
- H2583 chânâh: This verb means "to pitch a tent; gen. to encamp." It describes the act of the Israelites settling temporarily at Almondiblathaim, establishing it as a waypoint Numbers 33:46.
- H5682 ʻĂbârîym: This place, meaning "regions beyond; Abarim," refers to the mountains H2022 where the Israelites journeyed immediately after departing from Almondiblathaim Numbers 33:47.
The significance of H5963 is primarily geographical and historical, marking a key point in the biblical narrative.
- A Landmark in the Exodus: As a named location in Moab, it provides a specific point in the detailed itinerary of Israel's travels toward the promised land Numbers 33:46.
- A Point of Transition: The location serves as a narrative link, situated between the encampment at Dibongad H1769 and the subsequent stop in the mountains of Abarim H5682 Numbers 33:47.
- A Site of Encampment: The use of the verb encamped H2583 underscores its function as a temporary resting place for the nation of Israel during their long travels.
In summary, ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh H5963 is not a term of complex theology but a precise geographical marker. Its importance comes from its role as a waypoint in the Israelites' journey recorded in the book of Numbers. Defined by the encampments that precede and follow it, the name functions as a historical anchor in the narrative of the Exodus, illustrating how even minor place names contribute to the detailed account of Israel's path.
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