Overview
Telem appears in Scripture as both a geographical location and a personal name. As a city, Telem was situated in the Negev region of Judah. As a person, Telem was among those who responded to Ezra's call for the people of Israel to separate themselves from their foreign wives during the post-exilic restoration period.
Key Scriptures
"Hazor, Hadattah, Kerioth, Hezron (also called Hazor), Amam, Shema, Moladah, Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet, Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Bizjothjah, Baalah, Iim, Ezem, Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah, Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain and Rimmon—a total of twenty-nine towns and their villages." (Joshua 15:28-32, NIV). "From the descendants of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. From the descendants of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah. From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah. Among the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah and Meremoth. Among the musicians: Eliashib. Among the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem and Uri." (Ezra 10:20-24, NIV)
Application
Believers today should reflect on the importance of maintaining covenant faithfulness and separation from influences that compromise one's relationship with God and His people.