Amnon, Son of Shimon
Who was Amnon, Son of Shimon, in the Bible?
Amnon was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, listed among the sons of Shimon in the genealogical records of the Chronicles.
This is one of 2 people named Amnon in the Bible. See all 2 →
Amnon is a figure mentioned within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. He is identified specifically as one of the four sons of Shimon. His inclusion in the biblical record serves to document the lineage and preservation of the families of Judah during the period following the settlement and throughout the Divided Monarchy.
While his name is shared by more prominent figures in Israel's history, this Amnon is distinct, belonging to a branch of the family of Ishi. The biblical text provides no narrative details regarding his life, deeds, or character, focusing instead on his place within the tribal structure of Israel.
Background and Family
The primary and only mention of this Amnon occurs in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 4. In this passage, the chronicler is detailing the descendants of Judah, the tribe from which the royal line of David would emerge. Amnon is listed as the first-named son of Shimon. His brothers are recorded as Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon.
According to 1 Chronicles 4:20, his family is linked to the broader house of Ishi, as the verse immediately follows the mention of Shimon by naming the descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth. This genealogical placement situates Amnon within the southern kingdom's tribal identity during the era of the Divided Monarchy.
Major Life Events
The biblical text does not record any specific events, words, or actions attributed to Amnon. Like many figures in the genealogical records of Chronicles, he represents a link in the generational chain of the tribe of Judah. His existence is verified through his inclusion in the post-exilic records intended to re-establish the identity of the returning Jewish community by affirming their ancestral roots.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Amnon’s primary relationships are defined by his immediate family: his father Shimon and his three brothers, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The text provides no information regarding his mother or whether he had descendants of his own, though the structure of the passage suggests he was a significant enough head of a household or sub-clan to be preserved in the written record.
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of Amnon lies in the context of the book of Chronicles itself. Written to a community returning from Babylonian exile, these genealogies were crucial for establishing legal claims to land and priestly or tribal duties. Amnon’s inclusion signifies that his line was part of the faithful remnant of Judah, preserved by God through the centuries of the Divided Monarchy and the subsequent exile. He stands as a testament to the meticulous care with which Israel maintained its identity as the people of God's covenant.
Amnon's significance is found in the preservation of the Judean lineage. His presence in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 4 helped post-exilic Israel reconstruct its social and religious heritage, ensuring that every branch of the tribe of Judah was accounted for in the national history. Theologically, he represents the continuity of the covenant family even in the absence of a detailed narrative biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Amnon's father?
Amnon was the son of Shimon, as recorded in the tribe of Judah's genealogy.
Which tribe did Amnon belong to?
He belonged to the tribe of Judah.
How many brothers did Amnon have?
The Bible mentions three brothers: Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon.
Where is this Amnon mentioned in the Bible?
He is mentioned only once, in 1 Chronicles 4:20.
Family & Relationships
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 4:20
A descendant of Judah and the father of four sons recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Chronicles 4:201 versesPatriarch of a Judean clanJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 4:20
Ben-hanan was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, listed among the sons of Shimon in the genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 4:20
Rinnah was a descendant of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the post-exilic genealogies of the Chronicler as one of the four sons of Shimon.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 4:20
Tilon was a member of the Tribe of Judah, listed as the fourth son of Shimon in the post-exilic genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 4:20
The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The descendants of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.
Others Named Amnon
Compare all 2 bearers →Amnon, Firstborn Son of David2 Samuel 3:2
The firstborn son of King David, Amnon is primarily known for the violation of his half-sister Tamar, an act that triggered a bloody cycle of revenge within the royal family.