Tanhumeth
“Consolation”
Summary
Tanhumeth was the father of Seraiah, one of the military captains who came to Gedaliah after the fall of Jerusalem.
☩Historical Context
After Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and deported the population to Babylon, he appointed Gedaliah as governor over the poor who remained in the land. Various military captains who had been scattered in the countryside came to Gedaliah at Mizpah to acknowledge his authority. Among these was Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite.
☩Identity
Tanhumeth was from Netophah, a town in the territory of Judah near Bethlehem. The name means 'consolation,' and some scholars have suggested it may be a feminine name, possibly indicating Tanhumeth was Seraiah's mother rather than father. His son Seraiah was among those who swore loyalty to Gedaliah before the governor's tragic assassination by Ishmael.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Tanhumeth," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tanhumeth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.George Morrish, "Tanhumeth," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tanhumeth," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).