from צֵל and מָנַע; shade has been denied; Tsalmunna, a Midianite; Zalmunna.
Transliteration:Tsalmunnâʻ
Pronunciation:tsal-moon-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name צַלְמֻנָּע (Tsalmunnâʻ, `{{H6759}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the name of a Midianite king. Its etymology is derived from two Hebrew roots: צֵל (tsel, `{{H6738}}`), meaning "shade" or "shadow," and מָנַע (mana, `{{H4513}}`), meaning "to withhold," "to deny," or "to restrain." Thus, the name literally translates to "shade has been denied" or "shadow withheld." As a personal name, its semantic range is limited to this specific individual, but the inherent meaning of the name often carries a symbolic or prophetic significance in the biblical narrative, particularly when viewed in light of the character's ultimate fate. The denial of "shade" can metaphorically suggest a lack of refuge, protection, or respite.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Zalmunna (along with Zebah, his co-king) is a prominent figure in the account of Gideon's judgeship, appearing primarily in the book of Judges. He is identified as one of the two kings of Midian, who, along with their confederates (Amalekites and people of the East), had severely oppressed Israel for seven years, raiding their land and destroying their produce ([[Judges 6:1-6]]).
The narrative of Zalmunna's encounter with Gideon begins after Gideon's initial victory over the Midianite army. Gideon, with his 300 men, pursues the fleeing kings and their remaining 15,000 warriors beyond the Jordan into the desert.
* [[Judges 8:5-7]]: Gideon requests provisions from the people of Succoth and Penuel for his weary men as he pursues Zebah and Zalmunna, but they refuse, mocking his chances of success. Gideon vows retribution upon his return.
* [[Judges 8:10]]: Zalmunna and Zebah are located at Karkor with their army, having felt secure enough to rest.
* [[Judges 8:11-12]]: Gideon surprises them, scattering their forces and capturing the two kings. This capture marks a decisive turning point, signifying the end of Midianite oppression.
* [[Judges 8:15-17]]: Gideon returns and exacts his promised punishment on Succoth and Penuel for their lack of faith and aid.
* [[Judges 8:18-21]]: Gideon confronts Zebah and Zalmunna, asking about men they had killed at Tabor. Upon their admission that these men resembled Gideon's own brothers, Gideon commands his firstborn son, Jether, to kill them. When Jether hesitates, Gideon himself executes the kings, taking their crescent ornaments and pendants, symbols of their royal authority and idolatry. This act fulfills divine judgment and avenges the bloodshed of his family.
Zalmunna is also mentioned in [[Psalm 83:11]], where his defeat, alongside Zebah, is invoked as a historical example of divine judgment against the enemies of God's people, serving as a plea for similar divine intervention against contemporary foes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Zalmunna's name and narrative connects to several key biblical concepts and related terms:
* **צֵל (tsel, `{{H6738}}`):** Shade, shadow. This root word is central to the meaning of Zalmunna's name. It frequently appears in scripture to denote protection, refuge (e.g., "the shadow of His wings"), or conversely, transience and darkness. In Zalmunna's case, the "denial of shade" could be seen as prophetic of his ultimate lack of refuge from Gideon's pursuit and divine judgment.
* **מָנַע (mana, `{{H4513}}`):** To withhold, deny, restrain. This verb emphasizes an active withholding, implying that Zalmunna was *denied* something crucial, rather than merely lacking it.
* **Midianites:** A people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham and Keturah ([[Genesis 25:2]]). They frequently appear as adversaries of Israel, often associated with idolatry and oppression (e.g., the Baal of Peor incident in [[Numbers 25]], and their oppression in Judges). Their defeat by Gideon marks a significant moment in Israel's history of deliverance.
* **Divine Judgment:** The story of Zalmunna is a powerful illustration of God's judgment against those who oppress His people and defy His will. Their defeat is not merely a military victory but a divinely ordained act of retribution.
* **Gideon:** The judge chosen by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. His pursuit and execution of Zalmunna and Zebah highlight his role as an instrument of divine justice.
* **Vengeance/Retribution:** Gideon's execution of Zalmunna and Zebah, particularly after their confession regarding the men killed at Tabor, carries strong elements of personal and divinely sanctioned retribution for past wrongs.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Zalmunna, though an enemy king, holds significant theological weight within the biblical narrative. His name, "shade has been denied," can be seen as a poignant foreshadowing of his ultimate fate: he found no refuge or escape from the relentless pursuit of Gideon, who was acting as an agent of divine justice. This denial of "shade" or "protection" underscores the inescapable nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His purposes and oppress His people.
Zalmunna's defeat is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, demonstrating His power to deliver His people even when they are weak and oppressed. The narrative emphasizes that God does not abandon His chosen nation but actively intervenes to bring about their salvation and to punish their enemies. The execution of Zalmunna and Zebah by Gideon, especially after their admission of killing Gideon's brothers, also highlights the principle of *lex talionis* (eye for an eye) and the divine mandate for justice against bloodshed and tyranny.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Zalmunna in [[Psalm 83]] solidifies his place as an archetype of God's adversaries throughout history. His memory serves as a reminder that all who set themselves against the Lord and His people will ultimately face divine reckoning. The narrative thus provides comfort and assurance to believers that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and will ultimately triumph over evil.
### Summary
Zalmunna (צַלְמֻנָּע, `{{H6759}}`), a Midianite king whose name means "shade has been denied," is a key antagonist in the book of Judges. Alongside his co-king Zebah, he represents the oppressive Midianite forces that afflicted Israel. His biblical appearances center on his pursuit and capture by Gideon, the judge chosen by God to deliver Israel. After being captured, Zalmunna and Zebah confess to killing Gideon's brothers at Tabor and are subsequently executed by Gideon, marking the definitive end of Midianite oppression. Theologically, Zalmunna's story exemplifies divine judgment and retribution against those who oppose God and oppress His people. His name prophetically alludes to his ultimate fate of finding no refuge from God's justice, and his defeat serves as an enduring symbol of God's power and faithfulness to deliver His people, as echoed in [[Psalm 83:11]].
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