Rimmon (2)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Rimmon (2) in the Bible?
The name Rimmon refers to two distinct figures in biblical texts: a Benjamite from Beeroth whose sons Baanah and Rechab murdered King Ish-bosheth, and a Syrian deity worshipped in Damascus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the dual meaning of Rimmon prevents confusion between the human assassin and the foreign god, thereby clarifying the historical context of the northern kingdom's internal conflicts and illustrating the religious diversity of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Rimmon (2). Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rimmon (2) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rimmon (2) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rimmon (2)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rimmon-2/