Bible Dictionary
Tamar
Tamar was the name of several biblical women, including Judah’s daughter-in-law, David’s daughter, and Absalom’s daughter. Tamar was also the name of a place on Ezekiel’s southeastern boundary.
Definition
Tamar, meaning “palm,” is the name of several biblical women and also of a place. The women include Judah’s daughter-in-law, David’s daughter, and Absalom’s daughter. The place Tamar marked a southeastern boundary of the land.
Biblical Usage
Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar secured offspring after Judah failed to fulfill his promise concerning Shelah. David’s daughter Tamar was violated by Amnon. Absalom’s daughter bore the same name. Ezekiel mentions Tamar in describing the southeastern border.
Historical Background
The name means “palm tree.” The place Tamar has sometimes been identified with Tadmor, though the supplied material presents that as a supposition rather than a certainty.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Palm. (1.) A place mentioned by Ezekiel (47:19; 48:28), on the southeastern border of Palestine. Some suppose this was “Tadmor” (q.v.). (2.) The daughter-in-law of Judah, to whose eldest son, Er, she was married (Gen. 38:6). After her husband’s death, she was married to Onan, his brother (8), and on his death, Judah promised to her that his third son, Shelah, would become her husband. This promise was not fulfilled, and hence Tamar’s revenge and Judah’s great guilt (38:12-30). (3.) A daughter of David (2 Sam. 13:1-32; 1 Chr. 3:9), whom Amnon shamefully outraged and afterwards “hated exceedingly,” thereby illustrating the law of human nature noticed even by the heathen, “Proprium humani ingenii est odisse quem laeseris”, i.e., “It is the property of human nature to hate one whom you have injured.” (4.) A daughter of Absalom (2 Sam. 14:27).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(palm tree).