Talmon
“Oppressor”
Summary
Talmon was the head of a family of Levitical gatekeepers who served at the Temple, whose descendants continued this ministry after the Babylonian exile.
☩The Family of Gatekeepers
Talmon was the head of a family of doorkeepers in the Temple, described as 'the porters for the camps of the sons of Levi.' This was an important Levitical office involving the security and administration of the Temple gates. The position was hereditary, passing down through generations within the family.
☩After the Exile
Some of Talmon's descendants returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel, numbering 139 according to Ezra 2:42 and 138 according to Nehemiah 7:45. They resumed their hereditary duties as gatekeepers when the Temple was rebuilt. In the days of Nehemiah and Ezra, the family of Talmon continued to serve in their traditional role at the Temple gates, demonstrating the continuity of Levitical service despite the disruption of exile.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Talmon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Talmon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Talmon," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Talmon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).