The Hebrew word Tûwlôwn, represented by H8436, is a proper name identifying an Israelite. Derived from a root meaning suspension, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text. Its marginal reading is Tilon.
The single appearance of H8436 is in a genealogical list within the book of 1 Chronicles. The text states, "And the sons of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon" 1 Chronicles 4:20. In this context, the name serves a purely historical function, identifying Tilon as one of the four sons of an Israelite named Shimon, thus recording his place within the lineage of the tribes of Israel.
The context of H8436 connects it to several other individuals and terms within the same genealogical entry:
- H7889 Shîymôwn (Shimon): Listed as the father of Tilon, the name means "desert" 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H1121 bên (son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," is used to establish the direct father-son relationship between Shimon and Tilon 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H550 ʼAmnôwn (Amnon): Meaning "faithful," this is the name of Tilon's first-listed brother 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H7441 Rinnâh (Rinnah): This is the name of another of Tilon's brothers mentioned in the same verse 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H1135 Ben-Chânân (Ben-hanan): Meaning "son of Chanan," this is the name of Tilon's third brother, completing the list of Shimon's sons 1 Chronicles 4:20.
While the name Tilon itself does not carry direct theological weight, its inclusion in the biblical record is significant.
- Historical Preservation: The presence of specific names like H8436 in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles demonstrates the importance of preserving the historical record and lineage of the people of Israel.
- Covenantal Identity: These detailed family lists serve to ground the identity of the community, connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage within the covenant family.
- Individual Recognition: By naming each son of Shimon, including Tilon, the text affirms the value of each individual within the larger tribal and national narrative.
In summary, H8436 is the proper name Tilon, an Israelite mentioned once in scripture. Its sole appearance in 1 Chronicles 4:20 places him within a specific family lineage. While a minor figure, his inclusion is a testament to the Bible's meticulous approach to genealogy, which undergirds the historical continuity and covenantal identity of Israel by recording the names of its individual members.
TRV