Who was Alemeth in the Bible?

Alemeth was a Benjamite from Gibeon, recorded as a son of Jehoaddah (also called Jehoadah) in the genealogical records of King Saul's family. His mention helps trace the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:36; 9:42)

Why is Alemeth mentioned in the Bible?

Alemeth is listed to preserve the genealogical record of Saul's tribe, demonstrating the continuity of the Benjamite line after the exile. His inclusion shows the biblical importance of family heritage and tribal identity in Israel's history.

What is significant about Alemeth's life?

The Bible records no specific events from Alemeth's life; his significance lies solely in his genealogical listing. This highlights how even individuals without narrated stories were valued for their place in God's covenantal people and the historical record.

Alemeth

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Alemeth was a son of Jehoaddah (or 'Jehoadah'), a Benjamite from Gibeon, and is listed in the genealogies of Saul's family. (1Ch.8.36; 9.42)

Alemeth

Biography

Alemeth son of Jehoaddah (also spelled Jehoadah) was a Benjamite listed in the genealogy of King Saul's family recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:36 and 9:42. He appears as one of the sons of Jehoaddah, a descendant in the line extending from Jonathan the son of Saul down through successive generations. This genealogy traces the survival and continuation of Saul's lineage long after the dynasty's political end, demonstrating that the house of Saul did not disappear from history even as the Davidic line rose to prominence. Alemeth's name, possibly meaning hidden or concealed, is preserved among a cluster of brothers including Azmaveth and Zimri, suggesting a moderately prosperous extended family within the tribe of Benjamin during the period of the divided or late monarchy.

Significance

Alemeth's preservation in the Saulide genealogy of 1 Chronicles carries significant theological weight. The Chronicler's careful recording of Saul's descendants, even those generations removed from political power, reflects the biblical conviction that all of Israel's tribes and families, not only Judah, contribute to God's redemptive story. Benjamin remained a tribe of consequence throughout the monarchy period, and maintaining these genealogical records ensured the integrity of Israel's tribal memory. Additionally, the survival of Saul's line despite the dynasty's end demonstrates that divine judgment against a dynasty does not extinguish an entire family, a theme that resonates with God's broader mercy across generations.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 8:36 1Chr 9:42

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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