Who was Tabrimon?

Tabrimon (Hebrew: טַבְרִמּוֹן, Tabrimmōn) was a non-Israelite figure mentioned briefly in the Old Testament as the father of Ben–Hadad I, king of Aram (Syria). His name means “goodness (or benevolence) of Rimmon,” referencing the Syrian deity Rimmon, associated with weather and storm. Tabrimon himself is not depicted as an active character in any narrative but is mentioned in 1 Kings 15:18 as part of a political context involving the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.

Biblical Reference

“Asa then took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the Lord’s temple and of his own palace. He entrusted it to his officials and sent them to Ben–Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus.”
—1 Kings 15:18 (NIV)

Tabrimon in the Biblical Narrative

Tabrimon appears in the context of a political alliance. King Asa of Judah sought help from Ben–Hadad I, son of Tabrimon, to form a military alliance against Baasha, king of Israel. Although Tabrimon himself does not act in the story, his identity is noted as part of Ben–Hadad’s lineage, suggesting a known and possibly influential dynasty in Syria at the time.

He is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 16:2-3, where King Asa sends treasures to Ben–Hadad to break his treaty with Israel and align with Judah instead. Again, Tabrimon is not central in these events but is identified to authenticate Ben–Hadad’s heritage and political standing.

Historical and Cultural Context

Tabrimon lived during the time when the ancient Near East was divided into regional powers, including Israel, Judah, Aram (Syria), and others. Aram was a constant player in the regional politics of the time and often found itself either allying with or opposing the Hebrew kingdoms.

The naming convention that includes “Rimmon” points to the strong religious influence of Syrian paganism. Rimmon was a storm god, and names incorporating the deity were common, signifying allegiance or cultural reverence toward him. Tabrimon’s name indicates his likely role as a leader within a society deeply entrenched in idolatry and polytheism.

Theological Implications

Although Tabrimon’s role is minor, his brief mention serves to highlight several spiritual contrasts:

1. God vs. Pagan Deities: The use of the name “Tabrimon” reflects a society that placed its trust in false gods like Rimmon. In contrast, the God of Israel is the only true and living God who controls history and nations (Psalm 2:1-4; Isaiah 46:9-10).

2. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations: Even though Aram was a pagan nation, its kings—Ben–Hadad and his father Tabrimon—were part of God’s providential orchestration of events in Judah and Israel. God used even foreign kings to fulfill His purposes (cf. Isaiah 10:5-7; Daniel 2:21).

3. Human Political Maneuvering vs. Divine Will: Asa’s alliance with Ben–Hadad (whose father was Tabrimon) shows how Judah‘s king trusted in political strategy instead of God, which later led to rebuke by the prophet Hanani (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). This serves as a warning to God‘s people about placing trust in human alliances instead of divine protection.

How Tabrimon’s Legacy Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Tabrimon and his son Ben–Hadad represent the kind of kingdoms and powers that surrounded Israel—often hostile, always pagan. In contrast, Jesus is the true King of kings who came not to make alliances with worldly power, but to conquer sin, Satan, and death through humility and sacrifice (Philippians 2:6-11).

Whereas kings like Tabrimon and his descendants built power based on idolatry and warfare, Jesus established a kingdom not of this world (John 18:36). The brief mention of Tabrimon reminds us that all human dynasties fade, but Christ’s reign is eternal (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Rule Over All Nations

Even minor characters like Tabrimon, from foreign nations, fit within God‘s grand narrative. God is not only the God of Israel, but Lord of all nations.

2. Human Leadership in Contrast to Divine Kingship

Tabrimon and his lineage exemplify the temporal and flawed nature of earthly kingdoms. In contrast, the Bible consistently points to the need for a righteous, eternal king—fulfilled in Christ.

3. Warnings Against Idolatry

Tabrimon’s name invokes a pagan deity, underscoring the pervasiveness of idolatry. The Bible warns against trusting in idols or foreign powers (Jeremiah 17:5), encouraging God’s people to depend solely on Him.

4. The Use of Foreign Nations in God’s Plans

Throughout Scripture, God uses even unbelieving rulers to bring about His purposes—Pharaoh in Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon, and here, Tabrimon’s son in Aram. This shows that God’s sovereignty is total and not limited to those who acknowledge Him (Proverbs 21:1).

Reflection Questions

1. What does the brief mention of Tabrimon reveal about God’s control over historical events?

2. In what ways are we tempted to rely on human alliances or solutions instead of God’s power and promises?

3. How do the pagan influences seen in names like Tabrimon reflect the broader spiritual battles in Scripture?

4. What comfort does it bring to know that God can use even unbelieving nations and rulers to accomplish His will?

5. How does Tabrimon’s brief appearance in the Bible underscore the contrast between temporary human rule and the eternal kingship of Christ?

Though Tabrimon is only briefly mentioned in Scripture, his legacy as part of a pagan dynasty involved in Israel’s history serves as a reminder of God‘s overarching sovereignty and the ultimate supremacy of Christ’s eternal kingdom.