Rimmon is identified in the Bible as a deity worshiped in ancient Syria, particularly in the city of Damascus. The name "Rimmon" is believed to be derived from the Semitic root meaning "pomegranate," but in the context of Syrian worship, it is associated with a storm or thunder god, akin to Hadad, the chief deity of the Arameans. This connection suggests that Rimmon was revered as a powerful force of nature, embodying the elements of rain and fertility, which were crucial for agricultural societies.

The most notable biblical reference to Rimmon is found in 2 Kings 5:18, where the prophet Elisha interacts with Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria). After being healed of leprosy by the God of Israel, Naaman expresses his newfound faith in the God of Israel but acknowledges his obligation to accompany his master, the king of Aram, into the temple of Rimmon. Naaman says, "Yet may the LORD forgive your servant in this one matter: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there and he leans on my arm, and I bow in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter" (2 Kings 5:18). This passage highlights the tension between Naaman's personal faith and his official duties, reflecting the pervasive influence of Rimmon worship in Syrian culture.

The worship of Rimmon, like that of many ancient Near Eastern deities, likely involved rituals and offerings intended to secure the deity's favor for rain and agricultural prosperity. The temple of Rimmon in Damascus would have been a significant religious center, drawing worshipers who sought the god's blessing for their crops and livelihoods.

From a biblical perspective, the worship of Rimmon represents the idolatry that the Israelites were repeatedly warned against. The prophets of Israel consistently called the people to exclusive worship of Yahweh, the one true God, and to reject the gods of the surrounding nations, including Rimmon. The account of Naaman serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who came to faith in Yahweh while living in a polytheistic society.

Rimmon's mention in the Bible, though brief, underscores the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over all nations and the call for His people to remain faithful amidst a world of competing deities and religious practices.2 Kings 5:18
In this thing the LORD pardon your servant, that when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this thing.
Nave's Topical Index

Naaman
... of these pleasant streams to worship their idol gods. ... he said, "I will receive none."
The Syrian "urged him ... my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm

Naaman Cured.
... as a test of his acknowledgment of the Syrian god, Naaman ... Bowing in the house of
Rimmon meant nothing new to ... To him the idol was now, as to Paul, "nothing in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/naaman cured.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Disintegration of the Syrian, Canaanite, Amorite, and Khdti populations; obliteration
of types-Influence of Babylon on costumes, customs, and religion"Baalim ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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