Who was Azmaveth in the Bible?

Azmaveth was a descendant of King Saul, specifically listed as the son of Jehoaddah (also called Jarah) in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:36, 9:42). He is mentioned only in these family lists, with no narrative stories about his life.

Why is Azmaveth mentioned in the Bible?

Azmaveth's inclusion highlights the continuation of Saul's lineage after his death, showing God's faithfulness to Israel's tribes. His mention preserves important genealogical history, connecting the royal line of Saul to the post-exilic community (1 Chronicles 9:35-44).

What is the significance of Azmaveth's name?

The name Azmaveth likely means 'strong as death' or 'death is strong,' a common type of name in ancient Semitic cultures. While the meaning isn't explained in scripture, its preservation signifies his place in the recorded history of God's people.

Azmaveth

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Azmaveth, a descendant of Saul, son of Jehoaddah..

Azmaveth

Biography

Azmaveth was a descendant of King Saul through the line of Jonathan, appearing in the genealogical records preserved in 1 Chronicles 8:36 and 9:42. He was the son of Jehoaddah (also rendered Jarah), who was himself a son of Ahaz, a descendant of Jonathan son of Saul. The Chronicler's careful preservation of this lineage reflects the ongoing significance of Saul's dynasty in Israelite memory, even after the monarchy had transferred permanently to the house of David. Azmaveth's descendants continued to be identified and recorded in tribal registers, suggesting that the family maintained a notable presence in Benjaminite society during the period of the divided monarchy. His story is embedded within the broader narrative of the continuity of tribal identity across generations.

Significance

The preservation of Azmaveth's name in the genealogical records of Saul's line carries theological weight beyond mere historical record-keeping. The Chronicles genealogies serve to remind post-exilic Israel of its full tribal heritage, affirming that God's purposes encompassed all twelve tribes, not just the Davidic line of Judah. Saul's lineage, despite the dynasty's end, remained part of the covenant community. This inclusivity challenges any temptation to reduce Israel's story to a narrow dynastic thread. Furthermore, the survival of Jonathan's line echoes David's covenant with Jonathan (2 Samuel 9), where he vowed to show kindness to Jonathan's descendants. Azmaveth's genealogical presence quietly testifies to the enduring nature of covenant faithfulness 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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