The Hebrew word ʻÂlemeth, represented by H5964, is defined as a covering. It is found 4 times in 4 unique verses in Scripture. The term is used specifically as a proper name for a place in Palestine and for two different Israelite men, with one instance appearing as the variant spelling Alameth.
In biblical genealogies and records, H5964 serves to identify both a location and individuals within the tribe of Benjamin. It is named as a city given to the priestly descendants of Aaron, listed as "Alemeth H5964 with her suburbs H4054" within the territory of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 6:60. The name also appears in the lineage of Benjamin as one of the sons of Becher 1 Chronicles 7:8, where it is spelled "Alameth". Finally, it is the name of a descendant of Ahaz, mentioned in two parallel genealogical accounts as the son of Jehoadah 1 Chronicles 8:36 and Jarah 1 Chronicles 9:42.
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding ʻÂlemeth:
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (Benjamin): This name refers to the "son of (the) right hand" and the tribe descended from him. The place Alemeth was a city within the tribal allotment of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 6:60, and the individuals named Alemeth were also from this tribe.
- H1387 Gebaʻ (Geba): Meaning "a hillock," this was a place in Palestine. Geba is listed directly alongside Alemeth as one of the cities given to the priests within Benjamin's territory 1 Chronicles 6:60.
- H3205 yâlad (to beget): This verb, used "to show lineage," is crucial in the passages that identify Alemeth as a person. It establishes his ancestral line, as in the phrase "And Ahaz H271 begat H3205 Jehoadah H3085; and Jehoadah H3085 begat H3205 Alemeth H5964" 1 Chronicles 8:36.
The significance of H5964 is tied to its role in the administrative and genealogical records of Israel.
- A Place of Priestly Dwelling: As a city given to the sons of Aaron, Alemeth was designated as a Levitical city 1 Chronicles 6:60. This set it apart as a location for the religious service and support of the tribe of Levi.
- A Name in Benjamite Genealogy: The name is carried by individuals within the important tribe of Benjamin. It appears in the line of Becher, a son of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 7:8, as well as in the royal lineage of Saul through his descendant Ahaz 1 Chronicles 8:36.
- Preserving Tribal Identity: Derived from a root meaning "a covering," the name ʻÂlemeth marks both a specific geographical location and key individuals. Its inclusion in Scripture preserves the details of Israel's tribal heritage and land distribution.
In summary, H5964 ʻÂlemeth functions as a specific identifier within the biblical text. It is not a common noun but a proper name for a Levitical city and for men from the tribe of Benjamin. Its appearances in the chronicles are vital for understanding the geographical boundaries and genealogical lines of the Benjamites, contributing to the detailed historical record of ancient Israel.
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