Lexical Summary Yarmuth: Yarmuth Original Word: יַרְמוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jarmuth From ruwm; elevation; Jarmuth, the name of two places in Palestine -- Jarmuth. see HEBREW ruwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a Canaanite city in Judah, also a city in Issachar NASB Translation Jarmuth (7). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַרְמוּת proper name, of a location 1. ᵐ5 Ιερ(ε)ιμουθ, Canaanitish city, with a king, named between Hebron and Lachish Joshua 10:3,5,23 (JE), Joshua 12:11 (D); named with Adullam Joshua 15:35 (P), compare Nehemiah 11:29. 2 ᵐ5 Ρεμμαθ, A ᵐ5L Ιερμωθ, Levitical city in Issachar Joshua 21:29 (P). **See רָ(א)מוֺת 1c. יָרְקְעָ֑ם proper name, masculine a name in Judah 1 Chronicles 2:44; ᵐ5 Ιακλαν, A Ιερκααν, ᵐ5L Ιερακαμ (and so for רֶקֶם vb; otherwise רקם 1 Chronicles 2:43). Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Joshua 10:3; 10:5; 10:23; 12:11; 15:35; 21:29; Nehemiah 11:29. Historical Setting Jarmuth was a Canaanite royal city in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. Its king joined the Amorite coalition that rose against Gibeon after that city made peace with Israel. The location lay along strategic trade and military routes that connected the Judean hills to the coastal plain, making it an important fortified center in the Bronze and early Iron Ages. Conquest under Joshua When the five Amorite kings united, Jarmuth’s ruler Piram marched with the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Lachish, and Eglon against Gibeon. Joshua’s sudden ascent from Gilgal resulted in the famous “long day” battle (Joshua 10:12-14). The five kings fled to the cave at Makkedah; afterward, “So they brought the five kings out of the cave to Joshua—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon” (Joshua 10:23). Jarmuth therefore stands as a witness to the completeness of God’s promise that “not one of their enemies could stand against them” (Joshua 21:44). Allocation within Judah Following the conquest, Jarmuth is listed among the towns in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah region (Joshua 15:35). The grouping with Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah shows its position near the Valley of Elah, famed later for David’s victory over Goliath. Levitical Significance In Joshua 21:29 Jarmuth (spelled “Jarmuth” in most English versions and “Yarmuth” in some) is assigned to the descendants of Kohath as one of the Levitical towns within Issachar’s territory, together with its pasturelands. The Levitical designation underscores the city’s role in supporting the priestly ministry—the pastureland provided sustenance for sacrificial animals and priestly families, integrating worship with daily life. Mention in Nehemiah After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah records that “the people of Jarmuth” returned and settled again in their ancestral town (Nehemiah 11:29). This post-exilic resettlement demonstrates God’s covenant faithfulness in restoring His people to their land, reaffirming territorial continuity from Joshua’s day to the Second Temple period. Archaeological and Geographical Considerations Most scholars identify Jarmuth with modern-day Khirbet Yarmuk or Tel Yarmuth (Tel-Jarmuth), about 8 kilometers southwest of Bethlehem. Excavations reveal massive fortifications, a palace complex, and evidence of wine production—details that harmonize with its biblical portrayal as a fortified royal city. The strategic hilltop provided broad oversight of the Valley of Sorek and protected the approach to Hebron and Jerusalem. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Divine Triumph over Coalitions: Jarmuth’s defeat shows that no alliance can thwart God’s redemptive plan (Psalm 2:1-4). Lessons for Today • Strategic obedience brings victory even against seemingly superior forces. Forms and Transliterations וּבְיַרְמֽוּת׃ ובירמות׃ יַרְמ֔וּת יַרְמ֜וּת יַרְמוּת֙ ירמות ū·ḇə·yar·mūṯ ūḇəyarmūṯ uveyarMut yar·mūṯ yarMut yarmūṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 10:3 HEB: פִּרְאָ֨ם מֶֽלֶךְ־ יַרְמ֜וּת וְאֶל־ יָפִ֧יעַ NAS: king of Jarmuth and to Japhia KJV: king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia INT: Piram king of Jarmuth and to Japhia Joshua 10:5 Joshua 10:23 Joshua 12:11 Joshua 15:35 Joshua 21:29 Nehemiah 11:29 7 Occurrences |
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