The name Alemeth (Hebrew: ‘Âlemeth, meaning “covering” or “concealment”) refers to two individuals and one city mentioned in the historical and genealogical records of the Bible, primarily in the books of the Chronicles.
The Multiple Mentions of Alemeth
The King James Version of the Bible records Alemeth in two distinct personal genealogies and as a geographical location:
1. Alemeth, the Descendant of King Saul
This Alemeth is part of the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing the family line that survived from the first King of Israel, Saul, through his son Jonathan. This lineage was preserved by the Chronicler to show the continuity of the tribes, even after the monarchy had passed to the line of David.
- Scriptural Reference: He is a son of Jehoadah (also called Jarah in a parallel passage) and a descendant of King Saul.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scriptures:“And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,” — 1 Chronicles 8:36 (KJV)A similar list appears later, reinforcing the lineage:”And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza,” — 1 Chronicles 9:42 (KJV)
- Significance: His place in this list shows the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant of Saul’s house long after the kingdom was lost. This emphasis on unbroken lineage is a theme vital to the biblical narrative.
2. Alemeth, the Son of Becher
A second individual named Alemeth is noted in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin as one of the sons of Becher, who was one of the ten sons of Benjamin, the son of Jacob.
- Scriptural Reference: He is listed among Becher’s nine sons.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. All these are the sons of Becher.” — 1 Chronicles 7:8 (KJV)Note: The KJV uses the variant spelling Alameth for this person.
3. Alemeth, the Levitical City
Finally, Alemeth is the name of a town, which was designated as a city of refuge and a dwelling place for the priests (sons of Aaron) within the tribal territory of Benjamin.
- Scriptural Reference: It is listed with other priestly cities, including the famous Anathoth.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.” — 1 Chronicles 6:60 (KJV)Note: This city is also called Almon in Joshua 21:18.
Prophetic Hotspot: The Preservation of the Line
The repetition of genealogies, particularly those that preserve the lines of past kings like Saul, points to the biblical emphasis on God’s faithful memory of His people and their history.
- The meticulous recording of names like Alemeth, long after the great events of Saul’s time, serves to validate the historical foundation of Israel and the truth of its divine covenant.
- The city of Alemeth being a Levitical city underscores the truth that the dwelling place of God’s service (the Priesthood and the Law) was not lost but was maintained in specific, set-apart places, even during periods of turmoil and exile.
The Return Question: The Unseen Connection
Question for Discussion: The various individuals named Alemeth are primarily known through the preservation of their names in the genealogical records, suggesting a history that was important but largely concealed (the meaning of the name). As believers awaiting The Lord’s Return, how does the scriptural emphasis on these ‘unseen’ names remind us that even the most seemingly minor or historically hidden acts of faithfulness are meticulously recorded and preserved by God for the final display of His truth? What ‘unseen’ service in the preparation for the Lord’s return is most vital today?