Who was Jerimoth in the Bible?

Jerimoth was a leader from the tribe of Naphtali, specifically identified as the son of Azriel. He served during the reign of King David, overseeing his tribe's contributions to the kingdom (1 Chronicles 27:19).

What was Jerimoth's role in King David's administration?

Jerimoth's significance lies in his role as a tribal leader responsible for the military and civil affairs of Naphtali. He was one of twelve officers who each served for one month a year, managing the king's provisions (1 Chronicles 27:1, 19).

Why is Jerimoth mentioned so briefly in the Bible?

Jerimoth's mention is brief because his role was part of a larger administrative list documenting David's organized kingdom. His inclusion highlights the structure and participation of all tribes in Israel's united monarchy under David.

Jerimoth

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLeaderSon

Jerimoth, the son of Azriel, was a leader from the tribe of Naphtali during the reign of King David.

Jerimoth

Biography

Jerimoth son of Azriel was a tribal officer appointed during the reign of King David to govern the tribe of Naphtali (1 Chronicles 27:19). David organized the administration of Israel's twelve tribes through a system of appointed leaders, each responsible for oversight of tribal affairs, including military conscription, resource allocation, and possibly judicial matters. Naphtali, a northern tribe with territory along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee and into the upper Jordan Valley, required capable leadership given its strategic border position. Jerimoth's appointment to this post indicates that he was recognized as a man of administrative competence and loyalty to the Davidic crown, trusted with authority over a significant portion of Israel's population.

Significance

Jerimoth son of Azriel's appointment as leader over Naphtali reflects David's vision of a well-ordered kingdom in which every tribe received capable, accountable governance. Naphtali held particular geographical importance as a northern frontier territory, and its administration required both political skill and military awareness. Theologically, this appointment embodies the biblical ideal of servant leadership, tribal leaders who governed on behalf of the king and, ultimately, on behalf of God's covenant purposes for all Israel. The region of Naphtali later became symbolically significant as the land where Jesus began his public ministry (Matthew 4:13-16), giving this obscure tribal territory an unexpected place in the story of redemption.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherDavidSpouseAbihailChildMahalath

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 27:19

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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