Topical Encyclopedia Telaim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the context of King Saul's military campaigns. It is referenced in 1 Samuel 15:4, where it serves as a gathering place for Saul's army before a significant battle against the Amalekites. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah."Historical and Geographical Context Telaim is believed to be situated in the southern part of ancient Israel, although its exact location remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest it may be identified with the site of Telem, mentioned in Joshua 15:24 as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. This association places Telaim within the Negev region, a semi-arid area that served as a strategic location for military mobilization due to its proximity to the territories of both Israel and its adversaries. Biblical Significance The gathering at Telaim marks a pivotal moment in Saul's reign as the first king of Israel. The campaign against the Amalekites was commanded by God through the prophet Samuel, who instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekite nation as a divine act of judgment for their past transgressions against Israel (1 Samuel 15:2-3). Saul's assembly of a large force at Telaim underscores the importance of this mission and the seriousness with which it was undertaken. However, the events following the gathering at Telaim highlight a critical turning point in Saul's kingship. Despite the initial obedience in assembling the troops, Saul ultimately fails to fully execute God's command, sparing King Agag and the best of the Amalekite livestock. This disobedience leads to God's rejection of Saul as king, as conveyed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:22-23: "But Samuel declared: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.'" Theological Implications Telaim serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of obedience, divine judgment, and the consequences of failing to adhere to God's commands. Saul's actions at Telaim and the subsequent battle against the Amalekites illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's will, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative. The episode underscores the belief that God's commands are to be followed fully and faithfully, with the understanding that partial obedience is tantamount to disobedience. In the broader biblical context, the events at Telaim and the subsequent rejection of Saul as king pave the way for the rise of David, a man described as "after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). This transition highlights the biblical principle that leadership in Israel is contingent upon adherence to God's covenant and commands, setting the stage for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the eventual coming of the Messiah. Smith's Bible Dictionary Telaim(lambs), the place at which Saul collected and numbered his forces before his attack on Amalek, (1 Samuel 16:4) may be identical with TELEM, which see. Easton's Bible Dictionary Young lambs, a place at which Saul gathered his army to fight against Amalek (1 Samuel 15:4); probably the same as Telem (2). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TELAIMte-la'-im (ha-tela'-im "the young lambs"; en Galgalois): The place where Saul "summoned the people, and numbered them" (1 Samuel 15:4) before his attack on Agag, king of the Amalekites. Some authorities read "Telam" for "Havilah" in verse 7 and also find this name in 1 Samuel 27:8 instead of me`olam. In Septuagint and Josephus (Ant., VI, vii, 2) Gilgal occurs instead of Telaim, on what ground is not known. Probably Telaim is identical with TELEM (which see), though the former may have been the name of a Bedouin tribe inhabiting the latter district. Compare Dhallam Arabs now found South of Tell el-Milch. Strong's Hebrew 2923. Telaim -- a place where Saul mustered his forces... 2922, 2923. Telaim. 2924 . a place where Saul mustered his forces. Transliteration: Telaim Phonetic Spelling: (tel-aw-eem') Short Definition: Telaim. ... /hebrew/2923.htm - 6k Thesaurus Telaim (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TELAIM. ... In Septuagint and Josephus (Ant., VI, vii, 2) Gilgal occurs instead of Telaim, on what ground is not known. ... /t/telaim.htm - 7k Telem (2 Occurrences) Tela'im (1 Occurrence) Inspecteth (10 Occurrences) Footmen (13 Occurrences) Tel-ahib (1 Occurrence) Mustered (28 Occurrences) Summoneth (2 Occurrences) Saul (371 Occurrences) Soldiers (83 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Telaim (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 15:4 Subtopics Telaim: A Place of Unknown Location Related Terms |
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