Tadmor

Tadmor, also known as Palmyra in later historical texts, is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, located in the Syrian Desert. It is renowned for its strategic position on the caravan routes linking the East and the West, serving as a significant center for trade and commerce. The city is traditionally associated with King Solomon, who is credited with its construction.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 8:4 : "He built Tadmor in the wilderness, along with all the store cities that he had built in Hamath." This verse highlights Solomon's extensive building projects and his efforts to fortify and expand his kingdom's infrastructure. Tadmor's mention in this context underscores its importance as a fortified city and a hub for storing goods.

2. 1 Kings 9:18 : "Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land of Judah." This passage, while listing Solomon's building achievements, places Tadmor among the significant cities developed during his reign, emphasizing its role in the broader network of fortified cities.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

Tadmor's historical significance extends beyond its biblical mention. Archaeological findings suggest that the city was a thriving metropolis with grand architecture, including temples, colonnades, and other public buildings. Its prosperity peaked during the Roman Empire when it became known as Palmyra. The city's ruins today stand as a testament to its historical and cultural importance.

Tamar

Tamar is a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, referring to different individuals and locations. The name itself means "palm tree," symbolizing beauty and grace in biblical literature.

1. Tamar, Daughter-in-law of Judah:

Biblical Reference:

· Genesis 38:6-30 : Tamar is introduced as the wife of Er, Judah's firstborn. After Er's death, she becomes the widow of Onan, who also dies. Tamar's account is one of perseverance and justice, as she disguises herself to secure her rights and lineage through Judah, resulting in the birth of Perez and Zerah.

2. Tamar, Daughter of David:

Biblical Reference:

· 2 Samuel 13:1-22 : Tamar, the daughter of King David and sister of Absalom, is tragically known for her assault by her half-brother Amnon. This event leads to significant familial and political turmoil within David's household, highlighting themes of injustice and the consequences of sin.

3. Tamar, a Place in the Wilderness:

Biblical Reference:

· Ezekiel 47:19 : "The southern boundary will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea." This Tamar is a location marking the southern boundary of the land described in Ezekiel's vision, indicating its geographical significance in the delineation of Israel's borders.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The accounts and locations associated with the name Tamar reflect various aspects of biblical history and theology. The individuals named Tamar are often involved in narratives that explore themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. The place named Tamar serves as a geographical marker, contributing to the understanding of Israel's territorial extent as envisioned by the prophets.Tadmor or Tamar

A palm-tree, 1 Kings 9:18, a city founded by Solomon in the desert of Syria, on the borders of Arabia Dessert, towards the Euphrates, 2 Chronicles 8:4. It was remote from human habitations, on an oasis in the midst of a dreary wilderness; and it is probable that Solomon built it to facilitate his commerce with the East, as it afforded a supply of water, a thing of the utmost importance in an Arabian desert. It was about one hundred and twenty miles northeast of Damascus, more than half the distance to the Euphrates. The original name was preserved till the time of Alexander, who extended his conquests to this city, which then exchanged its name Tadmor for that of Palmyra, both signifying that it was a "city of palms." It submitted to the Romans about the year 130, and continued in alliance with them during a period of one hundred and fifty years. In the third century the famous queen Zenobia reigned here over all the adjacent provinces, till conquered and carried captive to Rome by Aurelian. When the Saracens triumphed in the East, they acquired possession of this city, and restored its ancient name. It is still called Thadmor. Of the time of its ruin there is no authentic record; but it is thought, with some probability, that its destruction occurred during the period in which it was occupied by the Saracens.

Of its appearance in modern times Messrs. Wood and Dawkins, who visited it in 1751, thus speak: "It is scarcely possible to imagine anything more striking than this view. So great a number of Corinthian pillars, mixed with so little wall or solid building, afforded a most romantic variety of prospect." Volney observes, "In the space covered by these ruins, we sometimes find a palace, of which nothing remains but the court and walls; sometimes a temple, whose peristyle is half thrown down; and now a portico, a gallery, a triumphal arch. If from this striking scene we cast our eyes upon the ground, another almost as varied presents itself. On which side soever we look, the earth is strowed with vast stones half buried, with broken entablatures, mutilated friezes, disfigured reliefs, effaced sculptures, violated tombs, and altars defiled by the dust." Most of the edifices the ruins of which are above described, date from the first three centuries of the Christian era; while shapeless mounds of rubbish, covered with soil and herbage, contain the only memorials of the Tadmor of Solomon. The city was situated under and east of a ridge of barren hills, and its other sides were separated only by a wall from the open desert. It was originally about ten miles in circumference; but such have been the destructions effected by time, that the boundaries are with difficulty traced and determined.

8412. Tadmor -- a city built by Solomon
... continually. Or Tammor (1 Kings 9:18) {tam-more'}; apparently from tamar; palm-city;
Tadmor, a place near Palestine -- Tadmor. see HEBREW tamar. 8411, 8412. ...
/hebrew/8412.htm - 6k

The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
... 1 Kings 9:18, be the same with this our Tamar,"and whether Tadmor in the Talmudists
be the same with that Tadmor,"we leave to the reader to consider. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 6 the coast of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... With Tamar, the widow of the eldest of the latter, he had accidental intercourse,
and two children, Perez and Zerah, the ancestors of numerous families, were ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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