Rimmon

Who was Rimmon in the Bible?

A Benjamite from Beeroth and the father of Rechab and Baanah, the two captains who assassinated King Ish-bosheth during the United Monarchy.

Tribe of Benjamin
Named in2 SamuelHistorical Books

Rimmon, a resident of Beeroth within the tribal territory of Benjamin, is a figure of the United Monarchy era (c. 11th century BC). While he is not depicted performing specific actions in the biblical narrative, he is identified as the father of two significant military figures: Rechab and Baanah. These sons served as leaders of raiding parties under the house of Saul, specifically following the leadership of Saul’s son and successor, Ish-bosheth.

Rimmon’s lineage is explicitly linked to the town of Beeroth, which the biblical text clarifies was considered part of Benjamin’s allotment, even if its inhabitants had a distinct history. The mention of Rimmon serves primarily to establish the pedigree and tribal affiliation of his sons, who would eventually play a pivotal role in the transition of power between the house of Saul and the house of David.

Background and Family

Rimmon is identified in 2 Samuel 4:2 as a "Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin." The location of his home, Beeroth, was one of the four cities of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:17) that had originally secured a treaty with Israel. By the time of the United Monarchy, the text notes that Beeroth was counted as part of the territory of Benjamin. Rimmon’s family occupied a position of some military or social standing, as his two sons, Rechab and Baanah, rose to become "leaders of raiding parties" (2 Samuel 4:2).

Major Life Events

There are no recorded actions performed by Rimmon himself within the Masoretic Text; he is a passive figure in the genealogy of the United Monarchy. His presence in the record is entirely defined by the actions of his sons during the civil instability following the death of King Saul.

During the conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul, Rimmon’s sons, Rechab and Baanah, entered the house of Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, while he was resting. They assassinated him, decapitated him, and brought his head to King David in Hebron, expecting a reward. Instead, David condemned their treachery, citing that they had slain a righteous man in his own house.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Rimmon is primarily related to his sons, Rechab and Baanah. The text repeatedly uses the identifier "sons of Rimmon the Beerothite" (2 Samuel 4:5, 4:9) to distinguish these men. Through his sons' military service, Rimmon is loosely associated with the court of Ish-bosheth and the transition of the Israelite throne to King David. David himself mentions Rimmon’s name when addressing the two brothers before ordering their execution for the murder of Ish-bosheth.

Spiritual Significance

The account of Rimmon’s family serves as a narrative bridge showing the final collapse of Saul's dynasty. While Rimmon is not credited with the sins of his children, his name is inextricably linked to one of the most notorious acts of betrayal in the early monarchical period. The designation "Beerothite" may also highlight the integration of Gibeonite-related cities into the tribe of Benjamin, reflecting the complex ethnic and tribal shifts occurring during the reigns of Saul and David.

Rimmon’s importance lies in his role as the patriarch of a family that attempted to influence the divine appointment of Israel's kingship through violence. His name appears in the context of David's righteous refusal to accept the throne through the means of assassination and treachery. The mention of his tribal affiliation (Benjamin) is significant because it highlights that Ish-bosheth was betrayed by men of his own tribe, illustrating the total fragmentation of Saul’s support base.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tribe did Rimmon belong to?

Rimmon belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, specifically originating from the town of Beeroth.

Who were the sons of Rimmon?

Rimmon had two sons named Rechab and Baanah, who were captains of raiding parties.

Did Rimmon participate in the murder of Ish-bosheth?

No, there is no biblical evidence that Rimmon was involved; the act was carried out by his sons, Rechab and Baanah.

What is the meaning of 'Beerothite' in relation to Rimmon?

It indicates that Rimmon was from Beeroth, a city that was originally Gibeonite but later became part of the territory of the tribe of Benjamin.

In which book of the Bible is Rimmon mentioned?

Rimmon is mentioned exclusively in the book of 2 Samuel, specifically in chapter 4.

Family & Relationships

Portrait of RimmonRimmonThis page

Children

Connected Figures

Family

Categories

United Monarchy

Mentions by Book

  • 2 Samuel3

Scripture References

All 3 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.

2 Samuel · 3

  • 2 Samuel 4:2

    Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,

  • 2 Samuel 4:5

    Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while the king was taking his midday nap.

  • 2 Samuel 4:9

    But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,

Books They Appear In

2 Samuel