Ahiman אֲחִימַן
Levite gatekeeper during David's reign
Biography
Ahiman is mentioned briefly in a list of Levites who served as gatekeepers during the reign of King David. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances to the tabernacle and later the temple. They ensured that only authorized individuals entered the sacred premises and maintained order.
Ahiman is listed along with other gatekeepers, including Shallum, Akkub, and Talmon. These Levites and their descendants were entrusted with the important task of keeping watch over the gates of the house of the Lord. (1Ch.9.17-19)
No further details about Ahiman's specific duties or life are provided in the Bible. His mention in this context highlights the significance of the gatekeeper role in maintaining the sanctity and security of the tabernacle and temple.
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 9:17
"The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brothers (Shallum was the chief),"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִימַן | H0289H |
Ahiman
ef="Bible:Josh.15.14">Jos 15:14; Nu 13:28; 2Sa 21:16,18), or the three "sons of the Anak" (Jos 15:14; Jud 1:20). The three names (Ahiman, Sheshai, Talmai) also occur together in Jud 1:10. The word Anak in the Hebrew Bible has the definite article except in Nu 13:33 and De 9:2. Its use is that of a common noun denoting a certain type of man, rather than as the proper name of a person or a clan, though this need not prevent our thinking of the Anakim as a clan or group of clans, who regarded Arba as their founder. The question is raised whether Ahiman and Sheshai and Talmai are to be thought of as persons or as clans. The most natural understanding of the Bible statements is certainly to the effect that they were personal leaders among the Anakim of Kiriath-arba (Hebron). They were smitten and dispossessed by the tribe of Judah, with Caleb for leader.
(2) A Levite, one of the gatekeepers of the latest Bible times (1Ch 9:17). He is associated with Akkub and Talmon and their brethren: compare Ne 11:19.
Willis J. Beecher
a-him'-e-lek ('achimelekh, "brother of a king," or, "my brother is king," or, "king is brother"):
(1) The father of David's high priest Abiathar: son of Ahitub, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli (<ref osisRe