Where is Aloth in the Bible?

Aloth is an ancient city mentioned only in 1 Kings 4:16 as part of Solomon's administrative districts in the region of Judea. Its location is identified with modern-day Beer Yeroham in southern Israel.

What happened at Aloth in the Bible?

The Bible does not record any specific events at Aloth. It is listed only as the location of one of Solomon's twelve district governors, Baana son of Hushai, who was responsible for providing food for the king's household (1 Kings 4:16).

Why is Aloth significant?

Aloth's significance lies in its inclusion in Solomon's organized kingdom, demonstrating the extent of his administrative control over Judea. It helps modern archaeologists and historians understand the geography and governance of ancient Israel.

Aloth

cityOld TestamentJudea

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Modern Name

Beer Yeroham

Country

Israel

Region

Judea

Coordinates

31.8090, 35.1038

Aloth is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Judea in modern-day Israel. Known today as Beer Yeroham. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.

Biblical History

Aloth appears in 1 Kings 4:16 as part of the administrative geography of Solomon's kingdom. The verse identifies 'Baanah the son of Hushai' as the governor of 'Asher and Aloth,' one of twelve regional districts Solomon established to supply provisions for the royal household — each district bearing responsibility for one month of the year. The name Aloth may denote either a specific town or a district designation, and some scholars read it as 'Bealoth' or relate it to a broader territorial description. Its association with Asher suggests a northern location in the Galilee or Carmel region. This administrative system marked a significant development in Israelite statecraft, reflecting Solomon's capacity to organize the land for efficient taxation and provisioning. While the system was administratively impressive, it also generated the kind of economic burden that contributed to tribal tensions after Solomon's death, ultimately fueling the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam (1 Kings 12).

Archaeological & Historical Notes

The identification of Aloth remains uncertain. Some scholars associate it with Bealoth in the Negev (Joshua 15:24), while others look for a northern site consistent with its pairing with Asher in 1 Kings 4:16. The proposed identification with Beer Yeroham in the Judean foothills lacks strong textual support given the Asherite context. Administrative sites from the Solomonic period have been documented archaeologically at Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer, where distinctive six-chambered gates and ashlar masonry reflect the building activity of Solomon's era. Without a secure identification for Aloth, archaeological commentary must remain general. Further epigraphic finds or settlement-pattern studies in the Asher region may eventually shed light on this obscure administrative center.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Kgs

1Kgs 4:16

Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →

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