Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Timna is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the genealogies and narratives of the Edomites. Her account is interwoven with the lineage of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and provides insight into the familial and tribal dynamics of the ancient Near East. Biblical References: Timna is first introduced in the Book of Genesis, where she is mentioned in the genealogical records of Esau's descendants. Genesis 36:12 states, "Additionally, Timna was a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These were the sons of Esau’s wife Adah." This passage highlights her role as the mother of Amalek, the progenitor of the Amalekites, a group that would later become significant adversaries of Israel. Further mention of Timna is found in Genesis 36:22, which notes, "The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Timna was Lotan’s sister." This reference situates Timna within the Horite clan, indicating her familial connections to the Seirites, who inhabited the region of Seir before the Edomites. Historical and Cultural Context: Timna's inclusion in the genealogies underscores the complex interrelations between the various tribes and peoples of the ancient Near East. As a concubine of Eliphaz, Timna's status reflects the social customs of the time, where concubinage was a recognized institution, often used to forge alliances and strengthen familial ties. The mention of Timna as the mother of Amalek is particularly significant, as the Amalekites are frequently depicted as enemies of Israel throughout the biblical narrative. This enmity is first recorded in Exodus 17:8-16, where the Amalekites attack the Israelites at Rephidim, leading to a divine decree of perpetual conflict between the two nations. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Timna's account is a reminder of the broader narrative of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan through the generations. Her connection to the Amalekites serves as a backdrop to the recurring theme of conflict between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, illustrating the fulfillment of God's prophecy to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." Conclusion: While Timna is a relatively minor figure in the biblical text, her role as a matriarch of the Amalekites and her connections to the Horites and Edomites provide valuable insights into the genealogical and tribal dynamics of the ancient world. Her account is a testament to the intricate tapestry of relationships that shaped the history and theology of the Old Testament. ATS Bible Dictionary TimnaA secondary wife of Eliphaz the son Esau, a name which recurs in the records of the Idumaena tribes, Genesis 36:12,22,40; 1 Chronicles 1:36,51. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TIMNAtim'-na (timna`; Thamna): A conbubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek (Genesis 36:12). But in Genesis 36:22 and 1 Chronicles 1:39 Timna is the sister of Lotan, and in Genesis 36:40 and 1 Chronicles 1:51 a chief or elan of Edom (see TIMNAH (3)). These variations are to be expected when the origin of genealogies is recalled. (In Genesis, English Versions of the Bible read, contrary to rule, "Timnah.") Gunkel's theory is that Genesis 36:12 is a later insertion in P. Strong's Hebrew 8555. Timna -- an Edomite name... 8554, 8555. Timna. 8556 . an Edomite name. Transliteration: Timna Phonetic Spelling: (tim-naw') Short Definition: Timna. Word Origin ... /hebrew/8555.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxxvi Thesaurus Timna (6 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia TIMNA. tim'-na (timna`; Thamna): A conbubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek (Genesis 36:12). ...Timna (6 Occurrences). ... /t/timna.htm - 9k Timnah (12 Occurrences) Homam (2 Occurrences) Jetheth (2 Occurrences) Lotan (5 Occurrences) Lotan's (2 Occurrences) Alvah (2 Occurrences) Am'alek (21 Occurrences) Hori (4 Occurrences) Eliphaz (14 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Timna (6 Occurrences)Genesis 36:12 Genesis 36:22 Genesis 36:40 1 Chronicles 1:36 1 Chronicles 1:39 1 Chronicles 1:51 Subtopics Related Terms |