### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Tsalmunnâʻ**, represented by `{{H6759}}`, identifies a **Midianite king**. It appears **12 times** across **9 unique verses**. The name translates to "shade has been denied." Tsalmunnâʻ is a key figure in the narrative of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, almost always appearing alongside his fellow king, Zebah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6759}}` is exclusively found in the account of Gideon's final victory and its aftermath. Tsalmunnâʻ and Zebah are identified as the two **kings** of Midian [[Judges 8:5]]. After the main Midianite army was routed, Gideon pursued them [[Judges 8:12]]. When the kings fled, Gideon **took** them and **discomfited** their remaining host [[Judges 8:12]]. Before executing them, Gideon learns they had **slew** men at Tabor who resembled the "children of a king" [[Judges 8:18]]. At their own behest, Gideon personally **slew** both Zebah and Tsalmunnâʻ [[Judges 8:21]]. Their names are later invoked as archetypes of defeated enemies in scripture [[Psalms 83:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the context of Tsalmunnâʻ's story:
* `{{H2078}}` **Zebach** (sacrifice): This is the name of the other Midianite king who was captured and executed alongside Tsalmunnâʻ. The two are never mentioned apart in the biblical account [[Judges 8:5]].
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** (feller (i.e. warrior)): As the leader of the Israelite forces, Gideon is the one who pursued, captured, and ultimately slew Tsalmunnâʻ [[Judges 8:21]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is explicitly applied to Tsalmunnâʻ and Zebah, establishing their role as the leaders of the Midianite forces opposing Israel [[Judges 8:12]].
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (to run after (usually with hostile intent)): This verb describes Gideon's determined action to **pursue** the fleeing kings, highlighting the intensity of the conflict [[Judges 8:5]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; ... slay): This word marks the final outcome for Tsalmunnâʻ, as Gideon arose and **slew** both him and Zebah [[Judges 8:21]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H6759}}` carries significant weight, illustrating several key themes.
* **Accountability of Leadership:** Tsalmunnâʻ is not just a nameless enemy; he is a **king** held responsible for his actions. His execution is directly linked to his admission of having killed men who resembled royalty [[Judges 8:18]].
* **Archetype of Defeated Foes:** The names of Zebah and Tsalmunnâʻ become proverbial for defeated enemies of God's people. The psalmist later prays for God to make enemy **princes** like Zebah and Tsalmunnâʻ [[Psalms 83:11]].
* **Completion of Divine Judgment:** The pursuit and execution of the two kings represents the final stage of the judgment against the Midianite oppressors. Gideon's persistence ensures that the leadership responsible for the conflict is decisively dealt with [[Judges 8:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6759}}` is the name of Tsalmunnâʻ, a Midianite king whose story is one of flight, capture, and judgment. His narrative, found in the book of Judges, is inseparable from that of his counterpart, Zebah. Together, they serve as a powerful biblical example of hostile leadership being pursued and held accountable, becoming a lasting symbol of the complete overthrow of those who set themselves against God's people.
TRV