Tabrimmon
Who was Tabrimmon in the Bible?
Tabrimmon was an Aramean ruler of Damascus during the Divided Monarchy, noted as the father of Ben-hadad I.
Tabrimmon was a king of Aram (Syria) who reigned in Damascus during the early period of the Divided Monarchy of Israel and Judah. While his specific reign is not detailed in the biblical narrative, he serves as a vital genealogical link in the history of the Aramean-Israelite relations. He was the son of Hezion and the father of the prominent King Ben-hadad I.
His existence is recorded during the account of King Asa of Judah’s reign (c. 911–870 BC). Tabrimmon is primarily mentioned to establish the lineage and royal authority of his son, whom Asa petitioned for a military alliance against Baasha, the King of Israel.
Background and Family
Tabrimmon lived during the 10th century BC, a time when the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah were frequently at odds. As the son of Hezion, Tabrimmon was part of a nascent Aramean dynasty that established Damascus as a regional power. His name, which may translate to "Rimmon is good," suggests a cultural and religious devotion to the Aramean deity Rimmon, the god of storms and rain.
Major Life Events
The biblical record does not provide specific details regarding the military or administrative accomplishments of Tabrimmon. Instead, he is mentioned retrospectively in the context of his son's reign. In 1 Kings 15:18, King Asa of Judah sends a bribe of silver and gold to Ben-hadad I, the "son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Aram." This passage confirms that Tabrimmon was a king who successfully held the throne in Damascus, providing a stable succession for his son.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Tabrimmon's significance is defined by his place in the royal line of Aram. He is the bridge between the foundational rule of Hezion and the more expansive and aggressive reign of Ben-hadad I. His dynasty became the primary external antagonist and occasional ally to the kings of the Divided Monarchy. The diplomatic correspondence sent by King Asa mentions Tabrimmon to validate the long-standing treaty relations between the house of David and the Aramean kings, suggesting that Tabrimmon likely maintained a policy of peace or alliance with the Southern Kingdom during his lifetime.
Spiritual Significance
While Tabrimmon is not a figure of direct theological instruction, his inclusion in the text underscores the historical reality of the nations surrounding Israel. His name serves as a reminder of the pagan environment of the ancient Near East, where the kings of Damascus derived their identity from local deities like Rimmon. In the broader biblical narrative, Tabrimmon represents the geopolitical forces that God used to discipline or preserve the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
Tabrimmon's inclusion in the biblical record serves to establish the legitimacy and historical context of the Aramean threat and alliance system during the Divided Monarchy. By naming his father and son, the author of 1 Kings provides a chronological framework that helps scholars synchronize the history of Syria with the reigns of Asa of Judah and Baasha of Israel.
His name also highlights the religious landscape of the time; the theophoric element 'Rimmon' reflects the pagan worship prevalent in Damascus, which would later feature in the story of Naaman the Aramean. Tabrimmon represents the sovereign placement of foreign rulers by God to interact with the covenant people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tabrimmon's father?
Tabrimmon was the son of Hezion, the king of Aram.
What does the name Tabrimmon mean?
The name is generally understood to mean 'Rimmon is good,' referring to the Aramean storm god.
Where did Tabrimmon rule?
He ruled as king of Aram in the city of Damascus.
Who was Tabrimmon's son?
His son was Ben-hadad I, who became a major figure in the wars involving King Asa and King Baasha.
In which book of the Bible is Tabrimmon mentioned?
Tabrimmon is mentioned only in 1 Kings 15:18.
Family & Relationships
Parents
HezionFather1 Kings 15:18Stated
TabrimmonThis pageChildren
Ben-hadad, Son of TabrimmonSon1 Kings 15:18Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Kings 15:18
Hezion was an early king of Aram-Damascus during the Divided Monarchy and the grandfather of Ben-hadad I.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Kings 15:181 versesKing of Aram-Damascus
Son · 1 Kings 15:18
The Aramean King of Damascus who formed an alliance with King Asa of Judah and later waged a major military campaign against King Ahab of Israel.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 1 Kings 15:1818 versesKing of Aram-Damascus
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Kings1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Kings · 1
- 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. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: