Lexical Summary
Talmon: Talmon
Original Word:טַלְמוֹן
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Talmown
Pronunciation:tal-MONE
Phonetic Spelling:(tal-mone')
KJV: Talmon
NASB:Talmon
Word Origin:[from the same asH2728 (חָרגּוֹל - cricket)]
1. oppressive
2. Talmon, a temple doorkeeper
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Talmon
From the same aschargol; oppressive; Talmon, a temple doorkeeper -- Talmon.
see HEBREWchargol
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
chargolDefinitionan Isr. name
NASB TranslationTalmon (5).
Topical Lexicon
Biblical OccurrencesTalmon appears five times in the Old Testament in lists that identify families of gatekeepers serving at the tabernacle and later the rebuilt temple (1 Chronicles 9:17;Ezra 2:42;Nehemiah 7:45;Nehemiah 11:19;Nehemiah 12:25). These passages present Talmon not as an individual alone but as the progenitor of a clan committed to guarding the sacred thresholds of Israel’s worship life.
Historical Setting
1 Chronicles 9 recalls the earlier organization of Levitical gatekeepers under David. After the Babylonian exile, Ezra and Nehemiah record the return of Talmon’s descendants to Jerusalem, underscoring continuity between pre-exilic and post-exilic worship. Their inclusion in the restored community affirms God’s faithfulness to preserve ministerial families and maintain proper temple order despite national upheaval.
The Ministry of Gatekeepers
Gatekeepers were responsible for safeguarding temple entrances, regulating who might approach the holy courts, securing storerooms, and overseeing the opening and closing of the gates at appointed times (compare1 Chronicles 9:26–27). The clan of Talmon shared these duties with the lines of Shallum, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai.
Ezra 2:42 lists them among those who returned:
“The descendants of the gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai—139 in all.”
Nehemiah 11:19 records their ongoing service generations later:
“Now the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their relatives, who kept watch at the gates, were 172 men.”
Their steady presence across these texts illustrates an unbroken lineage dedicated to protecting the sanctity of corporate worship.
Contribution to the Post-Exilic Restoration
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah emphasize that rebuilding Jerusalem required both physical structures and restored ministries. Talmon’s descendants exemplify servants who, though less prominent than priests or musicians, were indispensable to covenant life. Their careful stewardship of access to God’s house modeled reverence and order for the entire community.
Theological Significance
1. Fidelity across generations: Talmon’s line demonstrates how covenant faithfulness is transmitted within families who embrace their God-given callings.
2. The dignity of “hidden” service: Though unnamed individuals in large census lists, their ministry was essential. Scripture honors them, teaching that every function in God’s house matters (compare1 Corinthians 12:22-24).
3. Guardianship of holiness: By standing watch, gatekeepers symbolized the need for moral and doctrinal vigilance. They remind believers today to guard the heart and the fellowship of the church from impurity and error (Proverbs 4:23;Titus 1:9).
Legacy for the Church
Talmon and his descendants encourage modern ministries that may seem ordinary or unseen—ushers, custodians, security teams, and all who safeguard the gathered worship of God’s people. Their steadfast service illustrates that in every age the Lord values faithfulness more than visibility, and He records even the smallest acts of obedience in His enduring Word.
Forms and Transliterations
וְטַלְמֹ֖ן וטלמן טַלְמ֔וֹן טַלְמ֣וֹן טַלְמֹ֣ן טלמון טלמן ṭal·mō·wn ṭal·mōn talMon ṭalmōn ṭalmōwn vetalMon wə·ṭal·mōn wəṭalmōn
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