### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Timnâh** `{{H8553}}`, or **Timnath**, means "a portion assigned." It appears **12 times** across **10 unique verses**, identifying two different places in Palestine. Its usage, including the variant **Thimnathah**, consistently refers to a specific geographic location that serves as a backdrop for significant events in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Timnah** is the setting for crucial personal and national events. It is mentioned as the place where Judah went to shear his sheep [[Genesis 38:13]], an event that led to his fateful encounter with his daughter-in-law Tamar on the **way to Timnath** [[Genesis 38:14]]. Generations later, it became a focal point in the life of Samson, who went down to **Timnath** and saw a Philistine woman he desired for a wife ([[Judges 14:1]], [[Judges 14:2]]). It was in the vineyards of **Timnath** that Samson encountered and killed a young lion [[Judges 14:5]]. Geographically, it is identified as a border city [[Joshua 15:10]], a city within the territory of Judah [[Joshua 15:57]], and a city later invaded and taken by the Philistines [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other locations are mentioned in proximity to **Timnah**, helping to define its geographical and political context:
* `{{H1053}}` **Bêyth Shemesh** (house of (the) sun): A place in Palestine mentioned with **Timnah** as part of Judah's border and as one of the cities captured by the Philistines ([[Joshua 15:10]], [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]).
* `{{H357}}` **Ajalon** (deer-field): Another city in the low country of Judah that was taken by the Philistines at the same time as **Timnah** [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
* `{{H6138}}` **Ekron** (eradication): A prominent Philistine city listed alongside **Thimnathah** `{{H8553}}` in the allotment of territory [[Joshua 19:43]].
* `{{H1390}}` **Gibʻâh** (Gibeah, the hill): Listed with **Timnah** and Cain as one of ten cities belonging to Judah [[Joshua 15:57]].
### Theological Significance
While a geographical location, the context surrounding **Timnah** carries significant weight. It often represents a place of moral and national crossroads.
* **Site of Moral Testing:** For both Judah and Samson, **Timnah** was a place where personal desire led to life-altering consequences. Judah's actions on the way to **Timnath** resulted in the continuation of his lineage through Tamar [[Genesis 38:14]]. Samson's choice of a wife from **Timnath** initiated his conflict-ridden relationship with the Philistines [[Judges 14:2]].
* **A Contested Borderland:** As an "assigned portion" `{{H8553}}`, **Timnah**’s position on the border between Judahite and Philistine influence makes it a symbol of contested ground. It was part of Judah's inheritance [[Joshua 15:57]] but was also a place where Philistines dwelled [[Judges 14:1]] and eventually invaded [[2 Chronicles 28:18]].
* **Arena for Divine Purpose:** God's sovereign plan unfolds in this seemingly ordinary place. Samson's initial journey to **Timnath** was the catalyst for his divinely appointed role against the Philistines, marked by his supernatural encounter with a lion [[Judges 14:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **Timnah** `{{H8553}}` is more than a name on a map. As an "assigned portion," it serves as a literal and figurative borderland in Scripture. It is the backdrop for pivotal narratives that explore themes of personal failure, divine sovereignty, and the persistent conflict between Israel and its enemies. The events at **Timnah** demonstrate how God can use any place, regardless of its prominence, to advance His sovereign purposes.
TRV