Topical Encyclopedia Tabrimmon is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Aramean (Syrian) kingdom. His name, Tabrimmon, is of Aramaic origin and is understood to mean "good is Rimmon," with Rimmon being a deity worshiped in ancient Syria. Tabrimmon is identified as the father of Ben-Hadad I, a king of Aram, and the son of Hezion. This lineage is significant in the historical and political interactions between the kingdoms of Israel and Aram.The primary biblical reference to Tabrimmon is found in 1 Kings 15:18-19 : "So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, saying, 'Let there be a treaty between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.'" This passage highlights the political maneuvering of King Asa of Judah, who sought to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad I by appealing to the historical relationship between their fathers, Tabrimmon and Asa's father. The mention of Tabrimmon in this context underscores the dynastic and diplomatic ties that influenced the regional power dynamics during this period. Hezion Hezion is a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, mentioned as the father of Tabrimmon and the grandfather of Ben-Hadad I, the king of Aram. The name Hezion is of uncertain etymology, but it is associated with the royal lineage of the Aramean kingdom centered in Damascus. Hezion's mention in the Bible is indirect, as he is referenced in the genealogy of Ben-Hadad I in 1 Kings 15:18 : "So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus..." While the biblical text does not provide detailed information about Hezion's reign or actions, his inclusion in the genealogy of Ben-Hadad I suggests his role in establishing or maintaining the royal line in Damascus. The reference to Hezion serves to emphasize the continuity of leadership and the hereditary nature of kingship in the Aramean kingdom, which played a significant role in the geopolitics of the ancient Near East. The mention of Hezion, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the historical context in which the kingdoms of Israel and Aram interacted, often through alliances and conflicts that shaped the narrative of the Old Testament. |