Talmon is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is recognized as one of the gatekeepers of the temple, a role of significant responsibility and honor in the religious life of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 9:17-18 : "The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brothers; Shallum was the chief. He was stationed previously at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites."

In this passage, Talmon is listed among the gatekeepers, a group of Levites tasked with the important duty of guarding the entrances to the temple. This role was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple precincts.

2. Nehemiah 11:19 : "And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers, who kept watch at the gates—172 men."

Here, Talmon is again mentioned as a gatekeeper during the time of Nehemiah, when the Jewish community was reestablishing itself in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The gatekeepers were responsible for the security and order of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter.

3. Nehemiah 12:25 : "Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates."

This verse highlights Talmon's role in guarding the storerooms, indicating his trustworthiness and the importance of his duties. The storerooms contained valuable items and offerings dedicated to the temple, necessitating vigilant oversight.

Role and Significance:

Talmon's role as a gatekeeper underscores the importance of order and holiness in the worship practices of Israel. The gatekeepers were not merely guards; they were Levites, set apart for service in the temple, and their duties were considered a sacred trust. They ensured that the temple remained a place of reverence and purity, free from defilement and disorder.

The mention of Talmon in the books of Chronicles and Nehemiah reflects the continuity of Levitical service from the time of King David through the post-exilic period. This continuity was vital for the restoration of proper worship and religious practices after the return from exile.

Historical Context:

The role of gatekeepers like Talmon became especially significant during the post-exilic period, as the Jewish community sought to reestablish their identity and religious practices in Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the temple and the reorganization of its services were central to this effort, and the gatekeepers played a key role in maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple.

Conclusion:

While Talmon is not a prominent figure in terms of narrative detail, his inclusion in the lists of gatekeepers highlights the essential functions that supported the spiritual life of Israel. His service exemplifies the dedication and faithfulness required of those who served in the house of the Lord, ensuring that worship could be conducted in accordance with divine commandments.Talmon

(oppressor), the head of a family of door-keepers in the temple, "the porters for the camps of the sons: of Levi." (1 Chronicles 9:17; Nehemiah 11:19) (B.C. 1013.) Some of his descendants returned with Zerubbabel, (Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:45) and were employed in their hereditary office in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra. (Nehemiah 12:25)

Oppressed.

(1.) A Levite porter (1 Chronicles 9:17; Nehemiah 11:19).

(2.) One whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45); probably the same as (1).

TALMON

tal'-mon (talmon): One of the porters in connection with the temple-service (1 Chronicles 9:17 Ezra 2:42 Nehemiah 7:45; Nehemiah 11:19; Nehemiah 12:25).

2929. Talmon -- an Israelite name
... 2928, 2929. Talmon. 2930 . an Israelite name. Transliteration: Talmon Phonetic
Spelling: (tal-mone') Short Definition: Talmon. ... name NASB Word Usage Talmon ( ...
/hebrew/2929.htm - 6kTalmon (5 Occurrences)
...TALMON. tal'-mon (talmon): One of the porters in connection with the temple-service
(1 Chronicles 9:17 Ezra 2:42 Nehemiah 7:45; Nehemiah 11:19; Nehemiah 12:25). ...
/t/talmon.htm - 9k

Akkub (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:17 The porters: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their
brothers (Shallum was the chief), (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV ...
/a/akkub.htm - 10k

Door-keepers (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:17 And the door-keepers: Shallum and Akkub and Talmon and
Ahiman and their brothers: Shallum was the chief. (BBE). ...
/d/door-keepers.htm - 17k

Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences)
... (DBY NIV). 1 Chronicles 9:17 And the doorkeepers: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon,
and Ahiman, and their brethren; Shallum was the chief. (DBY). ...
/d/doorkeepers.htm - 18k

Porters (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:17 The porters: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and
their brothers (Shallum was the chief), (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/p/porters.htm - 17k

Gatekeepers (38 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:17 And the gatekeepers 'are' Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and
Ahiman, and their brethren -- Shallum 'is' the head; (YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gatekeepers.htm - 19k

Ater (3 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita ...
/a/ater.htm - 8k

Ahiman (4 Occurrences)
... He is associated with Akkub and Talmon and their brethren: compare Nehemiah 11:19.
Willis J. Beecher. Multi-Version Concordance Ahiman (4 Occurrences). ...
/a/ahiman.htm - 10k

Sho'bai (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita ...
/s/sho'bai.htm - 7k

Shobai (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita ...
/s/shobai.htm - 7k

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