Bible Dictionary
Talmai
Talmai was the name of two biblical figures: an Anakite of Hebron defeated by Caleb’s men, and the king of Geshur whose daughter Maacah became David’s wife and Absalom’s mother.
Definition
Talmai is the name of two biblical figures. One was associated with the Anakim of Hebron; the other was a king of Geshur and the father of Maacah, David’s wife and Absalom’s mother.
Biblical Usage
The Anakite Talmai was expelled or slain by Caleb’s forces. The other Talmai received Absalom when he fled after murdering Amnon. His daughter Maacah became David’s wife and the mother of Absalom.
Historical Background
The Geshurite Talmai ruled a small Aramean kingdom. The Anakim were reputed to be of great stature and lived at Hebron during the period of Israel’s conquest.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Abounding in furrows. (1.) One of the Anakim of Hebron, who were slain by the men of Judah under Caleb (Num. 13:22; Josh. 15:14; Judg. 1:10). (2.) A king of Geshur, to whom Absalom fled after he had put Amnon to death (2 Sam. 3:3; 13:37). His daughter, Maachah, was one of David’s wives, and the mother of Absalom (1 Chr. 3:2).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(bold).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(1) A clan, possibly of Aramean origin, generally reputed to be of gigantic height; resident in Hebron at the time of the Hebrew conquest and driven thence by Caleb (Nu 13:22; Jos 15:14; Jud 1:10).</p><p>(2) A son of Ammihur (or Ammihud), king of Geshur, a small Aramean kingdom, and a contemporary of David, to whom he gave his daughter Maacah in marriage. When Absalom fled from David after the assassination of Amnon he took refuge with Talmai at Geshur (2Sa 3:3; 13:37; 1Ch 3:2).</p>