from the same as עַלְמוֹן and the dual of הֻיְּדָה (compare בֵּית דִּבְלָתַיִם) with enclitic of direction; Almon towards Diblathajim; Almon-Diblathajemah, a place in Moab; Almondilathaim.
Transliteration:ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh
Pronunciation:al-mone' dib-lawthaw'-yem-aw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה (transliterated as ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh, Strong's H5963) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its core meaning is derived from its constituent parts, as indicated by the Strong's definition: "Almon towards Diblathaim." This suggests a location relative to or in the direction of Diblathaim. The suffix -ah functions as an enclitic of direction, reinforcing the "towards" aspect. As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently narrow, primarily denoting a specific physical location rather than a concept or action. It identifies a particular city or settlement situated within the territory of Moab.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Jeremiah 48:22]]: "and upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-Diblathaim, and upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-Gamul, and upon Beth-Meon, and upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near." (Note: The King James Version and some others render it as "Almon-Diblathaim" in this verse, while the Masoretic Text and many modern translations combine "Beth-Diblathaim" and "Almon" into a single list item, or simply list "Beth-Diblathaim." The Strong's entry specifically points to this verse as its single occurrence.)
The context of [[Jeremiah 48]] is a prophetic oracle concerning the judgment of Moab. This chapter details a comprehensive list of Moabite cities and regions that will face divine wrath and destruction. The inclusion of ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh (or its components) within this litany of doomed places underscores the totality and inevitability of God's judgment against Moab for its pride, idolatry, and opposition to the Lord. Its appearance in such a list, alongside other prominent Moabite cities, indicates its significance as a recognized settlement within the region, now marked for desolation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh is a compound place name, related terms include its constituent elements:
* **עַלְמוֹן (ʻAlmôn):** While not a separate Strong's entry in this context, it forms the first part of the compound name. The Strong's definition suggests it's related to `{{H5962}}` (ʻAlmôn), which refers to another place, Almon or Alemeth, in Benjamin. However, in ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh, it functions as part of a unique Moabite designation.
* **דִּבְלָתַיִם (Diblâthâyim):** This element is explicitly linked to `{{H1036}}` (Bêyth Diblâthayim), or Beth-Diblathaim, which appears in [[Jeremiah 48:22]] immediately preceding or in conjunction with ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh depending on the textual tradition. Both Diblathaim and Beth-Diblathaim refer to a prominent Moabite city. The dual ending -ayim often suggests "two figs" (from dibelah, a cake of dried figs), possibly indicating a place known for fig cultivation or having two prominent fig-related features.
Conceptually, ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh is related to:
* **Moabite Cities:** It belongs to the broader category of Moabite settlements mentioned in prophetic judgment oracles, such as Dibon, Nebo, Kiriathaim, Beth-Gamul, Beth-Meon, Kerioth, and Bozrah, all found within [[Jeremiah 48]].
* **Divine Judgment on Nations:** Its context places it firmly within the prophetic theme of God's sovereign judgment over nations that defy Him or oppress His people, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books (e.g., oracles against Ammon, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Egypt).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh lies not in its intrinsic meaning as a place name, but in its role as a specific example within a broader prophetic declaration of divine judgment.
1. **God's Universal Sovereignty:** The inclusion of ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh in the list of condemned Moabite cities demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty extending beyond Israel to all nations. No land or people, however distant or powerful, is outside the purview of His righteous judgment.
2. **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment:** As a specific geographical marker, its mention underscores the concrete and inevitable nature of the prophetic word. The judgment against Moab was not a vague threat but a detailed pronouncement affecting identifiable places.
3. **Consequences of Pride and Idolatry:** Moab's judgment, encompassing ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh and other cities, was a direct consequence of its pride, reliance on its own strength, and idolatry (e.g., worship of Chemosh, [[Jeremiah 48:7]], [[Jeremiah 48:13]]). Thus, the name serves as a reminder of the spiritual consequences of national sin.
4. **Divine Justice:** The desolation pronounced upon ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh contributes to the larger narrative of God's unwavering justice, which punishes wickedness and upholds righteousness, even when it involves the complete overthrow of established places.
### Summary
ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh (H5963) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, identifying a specific place in Moab, meaning "Almon towards Diblathaim." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Jeremiah 48:22]], where it is listed among the Moabite cities destined for divine judgment. As a geographical marker within a comprehensive prophecy, ʻAlmôn Diblâthâyᵉmâh serves as a tangible illustration of God's universal sovereignty, the certainty of His prophetic word, and the inevitable consequences of national pride and idolatry. Its inclusion in the oracle against Moab underscores the thoroughness of divine justice, leaving no corner of the land untouched by the declared judgment.
TRV