עַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה

Almon-Diblathajemah, a place in Moab

Definition

Almon-Diblathajemah is a compound place name in Moab, mentioned only in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It refers to a specific location where the Israelites camped between Dibon-gad and the mountains of Abarim (Numbers 33:46-47). The name likely combines two elements: 'Almon,' possibly meaning 'hidden' or relating to a 'young man,' and 'Diblathajemah,' a dual form pointing to 'two fig cakes' or the town of Diblathaim. As a proper noun, its primary sense is geographical, marking a stage in the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Biblical Usage

This place name is used exclusively in the Book of Numbers, specifically in the itinerary list of Israel's encampments (Numbers 33:46-47). It appears in a sequential, geographical context with no narrative events attached to it. The pattern is strictly as a location marker within a historical travel log, highlighting the deliberate recording of the wilderness route.

Etymology

The name is a compound. The first part, 'Almon' (עַלְמֹן), is likely derived from the root עלם, meaning 'to hide' or 'be concealed,' related to H5960 (עַלְמוֹן). The second part, 'Diblathajemah,' is the dual form (indicating 'two of') of a word for 'fig cake' (דְּבֵלָה), from the root דבל, 'to press together.' It is connected to the place name Diblathaim (H1015, בֵּית דִּבְלָתַיִם). The ending '-ajemah' includes a directional enclitic ('-ah'), meaning 'toward.' Thus, the full name may signify 'Almon toward (the two) Diblathaim.'

Semantic Range

While the name itself is a geographical marker, its inclusion in the detailed itinerary of Numbers 33 holds theological significance. It underscores God's faithfulness in guiding His people through a specific, recorded journey, affirming the historicity of the Exodus narrative. For the modern reader, understanding this name enriches the appreciation of the Bible's attention to historical detail and the reality of Israel's wilderness experience as a period of divine leading and testing.

As a place name in Moab, it reflects the regional geography and possibly local agricultural produce (e.g., fig cakes). The use of a dual form ('two fig cakes' or 'two Diblathaims') may indicate a known twin settlement or a distinctive landmark. Its exact location is now uncertain, but its recording served as a concrete geographical reference for ancient audiences familiar with the area.

Diblathaim (Diblathayim, H1015) — A related Moabite place name, likely the same location referenced in the singular or as a primary site (see Jeremiah 48:22).

Word Details

Scripture References