The Hebrew word Ṭabrimmôwn, represented by H2886, is a proper name meaning pleasing (to) Rimmon; Tabrimmon, a Syrian. This name is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its significance is derived entirely from its context as a genealogical marker for a Syrian king.
The sole appearance of H2886 is in the historical account of King H609 Asa of Judah. In this narrative, H609 Asa takes all the H3701 silver and H2091 gold from the H214 treasures of the H1004 house of the H3068 LORD and the H4428 king's palace. He sends this wealth to H1130 Ben-Hadad, the H4428 king of H758 Syria who dwelt in H1834 Damascus. The verse identifies this king as "the son of Tabrimon," establishing H2886 as the father of a key political figure with whom Judah sought an alliance 1 Kings 15:18.
Several related words provide the political and geographical context for the use of Ṭabrimmôwn:
- H1130 Ben-Hădad (Benhadad): As the son of Tabrimmon, his name literally means "son of Hadad" and is the name of several Syrian kings. He is the recipient of the treasures sent by King Asa 1 Kings 15:18.
- H609 ʼÂçâʼ (Asa): The name of the H4428 king of Judah who initiated the political pact by sending the treasures from the H3068 LORD's house 1 Kings 15:18.
- H758 ʼĂrâm (Syria): Defined as "the highland," this refers to the nation and people ruled by the dynasty of Ṭabrimmôwn and H1130 Ben-Hadad 1 Kings 15:18.
- H4428 melek (king): A title of royalty applied to both H609 Asa and H1130 Ben-Hadad, establishing their roles as heads of state in this international transaction 1 Kings 15:18.
While the name H2886 itself carries no direct theological weight, its singular context highlights several important themes:
- Royal Lineage: The mention of Ṭabrimmôwn serves a specific historical purpose: to establish the exact identity and parentage of H1130 Ben-Hadad, grounding the narrative of this international treaty in a precise genealogical record 1 Kings 15:18.
- Politics and Piety: The event is driven by King H609 Asa's decision to use H214 treasures consecrated to the H1004 house of the H3068 LORD to secure a military alliance. This demonstrates the complex intersection of statecraft and sacred resources.
- Foreign Relations: The interaction between the H4428 king of Judah and the Syrian dynasty of Ṭabrimmôwn is an example of the ongoing political maneuvering between Israel and H758 Aram (Syria) documented in the historical books.
In summary, Ṭabrimmôwn H2886 is not a term with deep doctrinal meaning but a proper name crucial for its narrative function. Its only mention serves to identify the father of the Syrian H4428 king, H1130 Ben-Hadad. The significance of H2886 is therefore locked into the historical account of King H609 Asa's controversial decision to use temple H214 treasures to forge a political alliance, making it a key detail in a larger story of kingship, diplomacy, and faith 1 Kings 15:18.
TRV