Belmaim is a location mentioned in the deuterocanonical book of Judith, which is part of the Apocrypha in some Christian traditions. The name "Belmaim" is not found in the canonical books of the Bible, and its historical and geographical details are limited to the context provided within the book of Judith.

Biblical Context

In the narrative of Judith, Belmaim is referenced as a place that is part of the military campaign of Holofernes, the Assyrian general serving under King Nebuchadnezzar. The book of Judith describes Holofernes' campaign as he seeks to subdue the western nations that have resisted the Assyrian empire. Belmaim is mentioned as one of the locations that Holofernes and his army pass through or target during their conquest.

Geographical and Historical Considerations

The exact location of Belmaim is not definitively known, and it does not appear in other historical records outside the book of Judith. Some scholars suggest that it may have been a town or region in the vicinity of Judea, possibly in the northern part of the land, given the context of Holofernes' campaign. The lack of archaeological evidence and historical records outside the Apocryphal text makes it difficult to ascertain its precise location or significance.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of Belmaim in the book of Judith serves to illustrate the widespread nature of Holofernes' campaign and the threat posed to the people of Israel. The narrative of Judith, while not part of the Hebrew Bible, is valued in some Christian traditions for its themes of faith, courage, and divine deliverance. The account of Judith's bravery and reliance on God to deliver her people from the hands of their enemies is a central theme, and the mention of various locations, including Belmaim, underscores the vastness of the threat and the miraculous nature of the deliverance.

Literary Role

In the literary structure of the book of Judith, the mention of various towns and regions, including Belmaim, contributes to the dramatic tension and the sense of impending danger faced by the Israelites. The narrative builds up the might and reach of Holofernes' army, setting the stage for the heroic actions of Judith, who, through her faith and cunning, becomes an instrument of God's salvation for her people.

Conclusion

While Belmaim itself does not hold a prominent place in the broader biblical canon, its mention in the book of Judith serves to enhance the narrative's depiction of the Assyrian threat and the subsequent deliverance of Israel. The account of Judith, including the reference to Belmaim, continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection on the themes of faith, courage, and divine intervention.BELMAIM

bel'-ma-im, the King James Version Belmen (Belmaim, Judith 7:3; Bailmain, 4:4): A place in the neighborhood of Dothan (Judith 7:3), to which warning was sent to prepare for the invasion of Holofernes (Judith 4:4). It probably answers to the modern Bir Bil`ameh (Ibleam), a ruined site about half a mile South of Jenin.

Belmaim
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BELMAIM. bel'-ma-im, the King James Version
Belmen (Belmaim, Judith 7:3; Bailmain, 4:4): A place ...
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Belmen
Belmen. Belmaim, Belmen. Belmon . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BELMEN;
BELMON. bel'-men, bel'-mon. See BELMAIM. Belmaim, Belmen. Belmon . ...
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Belly (62 Occurrences)

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Belmon
... Belmen, Belmon. Belomancy . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BELMEN; BELMON.
bel'-men, bel'-mon. See BELMAIM. Belmen, Belmon. Belomancy . Reference Bible
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