Who was Rimmon in the Bible?
Rimmon: A Male Deity in the Old Testament
Rimmon, mentioned in 2 Kings 5:18, refers to a male deity worshiped during the time of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word used for Rimmon in this verse is רִמּוֹן (rimmōn), transliterated as Rimmon. This deity is associated with Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha.
The Biblical Context of Rimmon
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman, suffering from leprosy, seeks healing from Elisha after hearing about the prophet’s power through a captured Israelite girl. Elisha instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times, resulting in his miraculous healing. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman declares his faith in the God of Israel: “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15).
After his healing, Naaman faces a dilemma concerning his duties as the commander of the Aramean army. In 2 Kings 5:18, he asks Elisha for understanding and forgiveness for the times he must accompany his master, the king of Aram, into the temple of Rimmon: “But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” Naaman’s request highlights the cultural and religious complexities he must navigate despite his newfound faith.
The Significance of Rimmon
Rimmon, as a deity, represents the false gods and idols that were prevalent in the ancient Near East. The worship of Rimmon underscores the polytheistic practices common among Israel’s neighboring nations. This mention of Rimmon serves as a backdrop to emphasize the stark contrast between the worship of false gods and the worship of the one true God of Israel.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Danger of Idolatry
The narrative involving Rimmon serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry. Throughout the Bible, idolatry is condemned as a grievous sin. The first two commandments explicitly prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (Exodus 20:3-5). For modern Christians, this story underscores the importance of exclusive devotion to God and the rejection of any form of idolatry, whether it be material possessions, status, or any entity that takes precedence over God in one’s life.
Faith in Difficult Circumstances
Naaman’s situation teaches modern believers about maintaining faith in difficult circumstances. Despite his role in a pagan society and his obligations to the king of Aram, Naaman recognizes the true God and seeks to honor Him as best as he can. Christians today may find themselves in environments where their faith is challenged, yet Naaman’s story encourages them to remain faithful and seek God’s guidance in navigating such complexities.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Mercy and Understanding
Naaman’s plea for understanding in the temple of Rimmon highlights God’s mercy and compassion. Elisha’s response to Naaman’s request is, “Go in peace” (2 Kings 5:19), indicating God’s understanding of Naaman’s situation. This teaches believers that God is aware of their struggles and complexities and is merciful towards those who seek to honor Him even in challenging circumstances.
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The healing of Naaman and his acknowledgment of the God of Israel illustrate God’s sovereignty over all nations and peoples. It shows that God’s power and mercy extend beyond Israel to all who seek Him. This reinforces the belief that God is the Lord of all the earth, sovereign over every nation and culture.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Christ’s Inclusivity and Healing
The story of Naaman prefigures the inclusivity of Jesus Christ’s ministry. Just as Naaman, a foreigner, received healing and came to acknowledge the true God, Jesus’ ministry extended beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles. In Luke 4:27, Jesus refers to Naaman’s healing as a demonstration of God’s grace to the Gentiles. This inclusivity is central to the Gospel message, affirming that salvation through Christ is available to all people.
The Call to Worship the One True God
Naaman’s declaration of faith in the God of Israel and his dilemma in the temple of Rimmon echo Jesus’ teaching on worship. Jesus emphasized that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). This calls Christians to a sincere and undivided devotion to God, avoiding any form of idolatry or divided loyalties.
Conclusion
Rimmon, mentioned in 2 Kings 5:18, was a deity worshiped during the Old Testament times. The narrative involving Rimmon, particularly through the story of Naaman, highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of exclusive devotion to the one true God. Naaman’s experience teaches modern Christians about maintaining faith in difficult circumstances and underscores God’s mercy and understanding. This story also connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over all nations and the inclusive nature of Christ’s ministry. Ultimately, believers are called to worship God alone, in spirit and truth, rejecting all forms of idolatry and remaining steadfast in their faith.