Overview
Rimmon was a rocky stronghold east of Benjamin where Israelites fled during the civil war with the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:45-47). It also served as a Levitical city (1 Chronicles 6:77). Additionally, Rimmon was a Syrian deity whose temple Naaman the leper visited in Damascus, highlighting the spiritual compromise even faithful servants could face in pagan lands.
Key Scriptures
"But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon and remained at the rock of Rimmon four months." (Judges 20:47, ESV)
"And Naaman said, 'Shall there not then, I pray you, be given to your servant two mules' burden of earth? For your servant will no longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD. In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.'" (2 Kings 5:17-18, NASB)
Application
Rimmon reminds us that physical safety in worldly circumstances must never compromise our spiritual allegiance to God alone.