Topical Encyclopedia Tela'im is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King Saul's military campaigns. The name "Tela'im" is derived from the Hebrew word "טְלָאִים," which is often translated as "lambs" or "young sheep." This etymology suggests a pastoral setting, which aligns with the region's historical and geographical context.Biblical Reference: Tela'im is referenced in 1 Samuel 15:4, where it serves as a staging ground for King Saul's army before his campaign against the Amalekites. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Tela'im—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah." Historical and Geographical Context: Tela'im is believed to be located in the southern part of ancient Israel, possibly within the territory of Judah or near the Negev desert. Its exact location remains uncertain, as it is not mentioned frequently in biblical or extrabiblical sources. The region's landscape would have been suitable for grazing, which aligns with the meaning of its name. Significance in Biblical Narrative: The gathering at Tela'im marks a significant moment in Saul's reign as king of Israel. It precedes his divinely commanded mission to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a task that Saul ultimately fails to complete as instructed by the prophet Samuel. This failure leads to God's rejection of Saul as king, setting the stage for David's rise to power. The event at Tela'im underscores themes of obedience and divine authority, as Saul's partial obedience results in severe consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands fully, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, Tela'im represents a point of decision and consequence. Saul's actions at and following Tela'im illustrate the biblical principle that leadership and authority come with the responsibility to adhere to God's will. The narrative challenges readers to consider the cost of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to divine instructions. Archaeological Considerations: While Tela'im's precise location remains unidentified, ongoing archaeological research in the southern regions of Israel may provide further insights. Discoveries in this area could shed light on the historical context of Saul's campaign and the broader geopolitical landscape of the time. In summary, Tela'im serves as a significant backdrop in the biblical account of Saul's reign, highlighting themes of obedience, leadership, and divine judgment. Its mention in Scripture invites reflection on the nature of faithfulness and the consequences of deviating from God's commands. Concordance Tela'im (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 15:4 Thesaurus Tela'im (1 Occurrence)Tela'im. Telaim, Tela'im. Telam . Multi-Version Concordance Tela'im (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 15:4 And Saul summoned the people, and ... /t/tela'im.htm - 6k Telaim (1 Occurrence) Lamb (124 Occurrences) Telam (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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