Bible Dictionary
Talmon
Talmon was a Levite associated with guarding the temple gates. His descendants returned from exile with Zerubbabel and continued in this hereditary service.
Definition
Talmon was a Levite associated with the hereditary service of guarding the temple gates. His descendants returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and continued in this office during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Biblical Usage
Talmon is named among the temple porters or gatekeepers. His family appears in the lists of those who returned from exile and served in the temple.
Historical Background
The name is explained as “oppressed” or “oppressor.” The family’s office was hereditary and connected with the camps or divisions of the Levites responsible for temple entrances.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Oppressed. (1.) A Levite porter (1 Chr. 9:17; Neh. 11:19). (2.) One whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:42; Neh. 7:45); probably the same as (1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(oppressor), the head of a family of door-keepers in the temple, “the porters for the camps of the sons: of Levi.” (1 Chronicles 9:17; Nehemiah 11:19) (B.C. 1013.) Some of his descendants returned with Zerubbabel, (Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:45) and were employed in their hereditary office in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra. (Nehemiah 12:25)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tal'-mon (talmon): One of the porters in connection with the temple-service (1Ch 9:17; Ezr 2:42; Ne 7:45; 11:19; 12:25).</p>