from the plural of טְלָא; lambs; Telaim, a place in Palestine; Telaim.
Transliteration:Ṭᵉlâʼîym
Pronunciation:tel-aw-eem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2923 (Ṭᵉlâʼîym) is etymologically derived from the plural of `{{H2922}}` (ṭālāʼ), which signifies "lamb" or "young sheep." In its most foundational sense, therefore, Ṭᵉlâʼîym inherently carries the semantic weight of "lambs." However, its singular occurrence within the biblical corpus reveals a distinct application: it functions not as a common noun denoting animals, but as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location named Telaim. Thus, the semantic range of H2923 encompasses both its etymological root referring to young ovine animals and its specific biblical application as a place name. This inherent duality is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of its scope and usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2923 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Samuel 15:4]]. In this pivotal passage, Telaim is identified as the place where King Saul assembled his forces before embarking on the divinely commanded war against the Amalekites. The verse states, "So Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand men of Judah." Here, Telaim serves as a strategic location for the muster of the Israelite army, underscoring the scale and preparation for this significant military campaign. While the etymological connection to "lambs" might evoke pastoral imagery, in this specific context, Telaim functions purely as a geographical marker, grounding the narrative of Saul's obedience and subsequent disobedience within a concrete landscape. The numbering of the troops at Telaim precedes Saul's fateful decision to spare Agag and the best of the Amalekite livestock, an act of partial obedience that ultimately led to his rejection as king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H2923 is its singular form, `{{H2922}}` (ṭālāʼ), which directly means "lamb" or "kid." This root word belongs to a broader semantic field of terms for sheep and goats in the Hebrew Bible, including `{{H7716}}` (seh), a general term for a small animal of the flock (sheep or goat), `{{H3775}}` (kebes) for a male lamb, and `{{H3532}}` (kar) for a fat lamb or ram. These terms are frequently associated with pastoral life, sacrificial worship, and the economic backbone of ancient Israelite society. The concept of "lambs" is deeply interwoven with themes of innocence, vulnerability, and atonement, particularly in the context of the Passover lamb and the daily sacrifices in the Tabernacle and Temple. While H2923 itself is a place name, its etymological link to "lambs" subtly connects it to this rich tapestry of biblical imagery and theological concepts, even if indirectly in its specific usage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2923 primarily stems from its role as a geographical marker in a crucial narrative of divine command and human obedience. Telaim, as the muster point in [[1 Samuel 15:4]], sets the stage for God's judgment against the Amalekites and, more critically, for Saul's test of obedience. The location itself does not carry inherent theological meaning beyond its function as a backdrop for this pivotal moment. However, the subsequent events—Saul's failure to utterly destroy all that God commanded—underscore profound themes of complete surrender to divine will versus partial obedience, and the dire consequences of human presumption. The *root meaning* of H2923 as "lambs" offers a subtle, though indirect, theological echo. Lambs are quintessential symbols of sacrifice and purity in biblical theology, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God. While Telaim as a place does not directly embody these sacrificial themes, its name, rooted in "lambs," might serve as a faint, almost ironic, backdrop to Saul's failure to fully execute a divine command that involved the destruction of livestock, including lambs, that were otherwise designated for sacrifice. This highlights the sanctity of God's commands over human reasoning or perceived piety.
### Summary
H2923 (Ṭᵉlâʼîym) is a unique Hebrew term, whose definition encompasses both its etymological root as the plural of "lambs" (`{{H2922}}`) and its singular biblical usage as the proper noun Telaim. While its base meaning connects it to the innocent and sacrificial imagery of young sheep, its sole occurrence in the biblical text is as a geographical location in [[1 Samuel 15:4]]. Telaim serves as the strategic muster point for King Saul's army before his campaign against the Amalekites. The theological significance of Telaim lies in its role as the setting for a critical test of Saul's obedience to God's explicit command, a test he ultimately failed. Thus, H2923 stands as a subtle reminder of the profound implications of human choices in response to divine mandates, set against a name that, by its very derivation, evokes the broader biblical themes of purity, sacrifice, and the absolute nature of God's will.
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