Azmaveth, son of Adiel, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and administrative records of the Kingdom of Israel. His name, Azmaveth, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "strong as death" or "death is strong," which reflects the common practice of embedding significant meanings within names in ancient Hebrew culture.

Biblical References:

Azmaveth is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:25, where he is identified as one of the key officials in King David's administration. The verse states: "Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the king’s treasuries" . This position highlights his importance and trustworthiness within the royal court, as managing the king's treasuries would have been a role of significant responsibility and influence.

Role and Responsibilities:

As the overseer of the king's treasuries, Azmaveth would have been responsible for managing the wealth and resources of the kingdom. This role would have required a high level of integrity, organizational skill, and loyalty to the king. The treasuries would have included not only monetary wealth but also valuable goods, supplies, and possibly the management of tribute from other nations or regions under Israel's control.

Historical and Cultural Context:

During the reign of King David, the kingdom of Israel experienced significant growth and consolidation of power. The administrative structure was complex, with various officials overseeing different aspects of governance. The position held by Azmaveth indicates a well-organized system where trusted individuals were appointed to manage the kingdom's resources effectively.

The mention of Azmaveth in the genealogical records also serves to underscore the importance of lineage and family heritage in the biblical narrative. Being identified as the son of Adiel places Azmaveth within a specific familial context, which would have been significant for the original audience of the text.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the role of Azmaveth can be seen as part of God's providential care and order within the kingdom of Israel. The appointment of capable and faithful individuals to positions of authority reflects the biblical theme of stewardship and the responsible management of resources. Azmaveth's position as a steward of the king's treasuries can be viewed as a reflection of the broader biblical principle that all resources ultimately belong to God and are to be managed for His glory and purposes.

In summary, Azmaveth son of Adiel is a notable figure within the administrative framework of King David's reign, entrusted with the significant responsibility of overseeing the royal treasuries. His mention in the biblical text highlights the importance of faithful stewardship and the organized governance that characterized the united monarchy of Israel.