טְלָאִים

Telaim, a place in Palestine

Definition

Telaim is a place name in the southern region of Judah, mentioned only once in the Old Testament. It is identified as the location where King Saul mustered his army for a military campaign against the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:4). The name itself means 'lambs,' likely deriving from the plural form of the Hebrew word for lamb (טְלֶה, ṭᵉleh). While its precise geographical location is uncertain, its association with Saul's campaign places it in the general vicinity of the Negev or the border regions of Judah.

Biblical Usage

This proper noun is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 1 Samuel 15:4. Its usage is strictly geographical, serving as the named rallying point for Saul's army. The context is military and historical, recording the mustering of troops for a divinely commanded war. No other biblical books reference this location.

Etymology

The name Telaim (טְלָאִים) is the masculine plural form of the Hebrew noun טְלֶה (ṭᵉleh, H2922), which means 'lamb.' It is a straightforward plural, literally translating to 'lambs.' This suggests the place was either known for sheep herding, was a site for sacrificial lambs, or had topographical features reminiscent of lambs. The name is a common type of Semitic place name derived from fauna.

Semantic Range

While the place name itself is not theologically charged, its single biblical context is highly significant. Telaim is the launch point for King Saul's campaign against Amalek, a mission commanded by God through the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Saul's subsequent disobedience at this campaign's conclusion (1 Samuel 15:9) leads directly to his rejection as king. Thus, Telaim marks the geographical beginning of a pivotal event demonstrating the importance of complete obedience to God's word, a key theme in the narratives of the monarchy.

As a place name meaning 'lambs,' Telaim likely denoted a specific town, pastureland, or geographical feature within tribal Judah. In an agrarian and pastoral society, names derived from livestock were common and practical, immediately conveying the area's primary use or character to the local population. Its role as a military muster point indicates it was a recognized population center or strategic location capable of supporting and organizing a large fighting force from the tribes of Israel.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun. As a place name, it is unique. Related words would be its root: טְלֶה (ṭᵉleh, H2922) — the singular noun for 'lamb,' from which the name is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References