The Hebrew word Rimmôwn, represented by H7417, is a term used for both a Syrian deity and five distinct places in Palestine. It appears 16 times across 13 unique verses, showing its varied roles within the biblical narrative as a geographical landmark, a place of refuge, and a symbol of foreign worship.
Biblically, H7417 is most prominently featured as the "rock Rimmon," a stronghold where six hundred men of the tribe of Benjamin fled and abode for four months after a devastating conflict Judges 20:47. This location served as a place of refuge for the remnant of the tribe. The word also identifies several cities in tribal allotments, such as a city given to the children of Merari from the tribe of Zebulun 1 Chronicles 6:77 and a city in the southern part of Judah Joshua 15:32. In a significant theological context, H7417 is the name of a Syrian deity whose house was a place of worship for Naaman's master; Naaman requests pardon from the LORD for having to bow there 2 Kings 5:18. The name is also used for the father of Rechab and Baanah, who were from Beeroth of the children of Benjamin 2 Samuel 4:2.
Several related words clarify the contexts in which H7417 appears:
- H5553 çelaʻ (rock): This word is essential for understanding Rimmon as a place of refuge. The remnant of Benjamin fled to the rock Rimmon to escape destruction Judges 20:45. Its definition as a "craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)" underscores its role as a stronghold.
- H1004 bayith (house): This term is used to denote the temple of the Syrian deity, the "house of Rimmon" 2 Kings 5:18. The definition includes applications such as "temple," highlighting it as a formal place of worship.
- H7812 shâchâh (worship): Naaman's struggle is centered on the act of having to bow down or worship in the house of Rimmon 2 Kings 5:18, linking the name directly to the act of idolatrous reverence.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): Rimmon is listed as a city in the land allotments for Judah and Zebulun (Joshua 15:32, 1 Chronicles 6:77), establishing its identity as a geographical and inhabited place.
The theological weight of H7417 is demonstrated through its different applications:
- Refuge for a Remnant: The "rock Rimmon" serves as a powerful symbol of preservation. It is where the last remnant of the tribe of Benjamin was able to abide and survive judgment Judges 20:47, allowing for the tribe's eventual restoration.
- The Challenge of Idolatry: The account of Naaman in the house of Rimmon presents a clear conflict between faithfulness to the LORD H3068 and the cultural requirement to participate in foreign worship. Naaman's request to be pardoned for bowing to this deity underscores the sinfulness of idolatry 2 Kings 5:18.
- Prophetic Landmark: In Zechariah, the land from Geba to Rimmon is prophesied to be turned into a plain, while Jerusalem is lifted up Zechariah 14:10. This places Rimmon within an eschatological vision of topographical and spiritual transformation.
- Human Treachery: As the name of the father of Rechab and Baanah, H7417 is connected to their act of murdering Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 4:5. This links the name, by parentage, to an infamous episode of betrayal in Israel's history.
In summary, H7417 Rimmôwn is a word with layered significance, referring to both places and a deity. It marks geographical boundaries in Palestine, from a city in Zebulun 1 Chronicles 6:77 to a landmark south of Jerusalem Zechariah 14:10. It is also the name of the rock of refuge for the Benjamite remnant Judges 21:13 and the name of a Syrian god whose worship challenged the faith of Naaman 2 Kings 5:18. Through its varied uses, Rimmôwn illustrates key biblical themes of divine judgment, the preservation of a remnant, the dangers of idolatry, and the prophetic hope of future restoration.
TRV