Talmai תַּלְמַי
King of Geshur; father of David's wife Maacah
Who is Talmai in the Bible?
Talmai was the king of Geshur, an Aramean city-state northeast of Israel, and is mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, 2 Samuel 13:37, and 1 Chronicles 3:2. He was the father of Maacah, one of King David's wives and the mother of the famous prince Absalom. After Absalom murdered his half-brother Amnon, he fled to his grandfather Talmai's court in Geshur, where he remained for three years until the prophet Joab negotiated his reconciliation with David. Talmai's role in the biblical narrative highlights the political alliances between Israel and neighboring Aramean kingdoms during David's reign, as well as providing crucial refuge for one of Israel's most significant historical figures during a critical period in his life.
Biography
Talmai is mentioned in 2Sa.3.3 and 1Ch.3.2 as the father of Maacah, who was one of David's wives and the mother of Absalom. Talmai was the king of Geshur, an Aramean city-state to the northeast of Israel. After Absalom murdered his half-brother Amnon, he fled to Geshur and stayed with his grandfather King Talmai for three years before Joab brought about his reconciliation with David (2Sa.13.37).
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 2 verses
- 2 Samuel 3:3
"his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;"
- 2 Samuel 13:37
"Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 3:2
"the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תַּלְמַי |
Talmai
(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).
tal'-mon (talmon): One of the porters in connection with the temple-service (1Ch 9:17; Ezr 2:42; Ne 7:45; <r