The term "Timnite" refers to an inhabitant of Timnah, a town mentioned in the Bible, primarily within the context of the narratives involving Samson and Judah. Timnah is located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan, although it is also associated with the tribe of Judah in certain passages. The town's significance is highlighted in several key biblical events.

Biblical References:

1. Samson and the Timnite Woman:
The most notable mention of a Timnite is in the account of Samson, found in the Book of Judges. Samson, a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, desired a Philistine woman from Timnah. Despite his parents' objections, Samson insisted on marrying her, saying, "Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes" (Judges 14:3). This marriage was part of God's plan to confront the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel at the time. The narrative continues with Samson's famous riddle and the subsequent betrayal by his Timnite wife, which led to a series of conflicts between Samson and the Philistines (Judges 14:1-20).

2. Judah and Tamar:
Another significant mention of Timnah is in the account of Judah and Tamar. After the death of his wife, Judah went up to Timnah to shear his sheep. It was on the way to Timnah that Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, disguised herself as a prostitute to secure her rights within the family lineage, leading to the birth of Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:12-30). This event is crucial in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as Perez is listed in the lineage of David and ultimately, the Messiah (Matthew 1:3).

Geographical and Historical Context:

Timnah is believed to have been located in the Shephelah, a region of low hills between the coastal plain and the central highlands of Judah. Its strategic location made it a site of frequent conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. Archaeological evidence suggests that Timnah was an important settlement during the Iron Age, aligning with the biblical timeline of the Judges.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The interactions between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Timnah, particularly the Philistines, underscore the ongoing struggle between God's chosen people and the surrounding pagan nations. The accounts involving Timnites highlight themes of faithfulness, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of intermarriage with those outside the covenant community. Samson's relationship with the Timnite woman serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith for personal desires.

In the broader biblical narrative, the events at Timnah illustrate God's providential use of flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. Despite human failings, God's redemptive plan continues to unfold, ultimately leading to the coming of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.A man of Timnah. Samson's father-in-law is so styled (Judges 15:6). TIMNITE

tim'-nit (timni Thamnathaios): The father of Samson's wife, a native of Timnah (Judges 15:6).

8554. Timni -- inhab. of Timnah
... Timni. 8555 . inhab. of Timnah. Transliteration: Timni Phonetic Spelling:
(tim-nee') Short Definition: Timnite. ... of Timnah NASB Word Usage Timnite (1). Timnite. ...
/hebrew/8554.htm - 6k

Samson's Wedding Feast
... this? And they said, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he
hath taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv samsons wedding feast.htm

Samson who did to Others as they did to Him
... Then the Philistines said, "Who has done this?" The reply was, "Samson, the
son-in-law of the Timnite, because that man took Samson's wife and gave her to his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samson who did to others.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Then they inquired who this thing had done, And were inform'd it was the Timnite's
son; Because his father took his wife away, And gave her his companion to ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Timnite (1 Occurrence)
...TIMNITE. tim'-nit (timni Thamnathaios): The father of Samson's wife, a native of
Timnah (Judges 15:6). Multi-Version Concordance Timnite (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/timnite.htm - 7k

Timnite's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Timnite's (1 Occurrence). Judges 15:6 Then the
Philistines said: 'Who hath done this?' And they said: 'Samson ...
/t/timnite's.htm - 6k

Timnah (12 Occurrences)
... Timnah as Judah visited (Genesis 38:12-14), and certainly the scene of Samson's
adventures (Judges 14:1 f); his "father-in-law" is called a "Timnite" (Judges 15 ...
/t/timnah.htm - 13k

Tim'nath-se'rah (2 Occurrences)
Tim'nath-se'rah. Timnath-serah, Tim'nath-se'rah. Timnite . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Timnath-serah, Tim'nath-se'rah. Timnite . Reference Bible
/t/tim'nath-se'rah.htm - 7k

Timon (1 Occurrence)

/t/timon.htm - 7k

Son-in-law (14 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:6 Then the Philistines said, "Who has done this?" They said, "Samson,
the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken his wife, and given her to ...
/s/son-in-law.htm - 11k

Companion (44 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:6 Then the Philistines said, "Who has done this?" They said, "Samson,
the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken his wife, and given her to ...
/c/companion.htm - 20k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... has done this? And they said, Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because
he took his wife and gave her to his friend. So the ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Samson (37 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:6 Then the Philistines said, "Who has done this?" They said, "Samson,
the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he has taken his wife, and given her to ...
/s/samson.htm - 37k

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