from הֲדַד and רִמּוֹן; Hadad-Rimmon, a place in Palestine; Hadad-rimmon.
Transliteration:Hădadrimmôwn
Pronunciation:had-ad-rim-mone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1910}}` (Hădadrimmôwn) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology reveals a compound structure, derived from two distinct elements: `{{H1908}}` (Hadad) and `{{H7416}}`1 (Rimmon). Hadad was a prominent Semitic storm and fertility god, widely worshipped in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often identified with Baal. Rimmon, though also meaning "pomegranate," is here understood as the name of an Aramean deity, known from [[2 Kings 5:18]] where Naaman worshipped in the house of Rimmon.
Thus, "Hadad-Rimmon" likely designates a location associated with the worship or influence of these two pagan deities, or perhaps a site where their cults converged. As a place name, its semantic range is limited to this specific geographical identity, with its deeper significance emerging from its sole biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1910}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Zechariah:
* [[Zechariah 12:11]]: "In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadad-Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo."
In this verse, Hadad-Rimmon serves as a powerful historical benchmark for an unparalleled future lamentation in Jerusalem. The "plain of Megiddo" is explicitly mentioned as its location, confirming its geographical setting. This reference is widely understood by scholars to allude to the profound national mourning for King Josiah, who was fatally wounded by Pharaoh Neco II at Megiddo ([[2 Kings 23:29-30]], [[2 Chronicles 35:20-25]]). The death of Josiah, a righteous king who initiated significant religious reforms, plunged Judah into deep sorrow, and his lamentation became a proverbial expression of national grief ([[2 Chronicles 35:25]]).
By referencing this well-known historical tragedy, Zechariah sets the standard for the intensity and breadth of the future mourning in Jerusalem. The comparison underscores the depth of the collective sorrow and repentance that will characterize the "day" described in the prophecy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H1910}}` naturally connects to several related words and concepts:
* **`{{H1908}}` (Hadad) and `{{H7416}}` (Rimmon):** These are the constituent divine names forming the place name, highlighting the pagan religious landscape of the region.
* **Megiddo:** The specific geographical location ("plain of Megiddo") associated with Hadad-Rimmon in [[Zechariah 12:11]], and the historical site of King Josiah's death.
* **Mourning/Lamentation:** The central theme associated with Hadad-Rimmon in its biblical context. Hebrew terms for mourning include `{{H4553}}` (misped, "mourning"), `{{H5091}}` (nahah, "to lament"), and `{{H1058}}` (bakah, "to weep"). The intensity of the mourning for Josiah serves as the prototype.
* **King Josiah:** The historical figure whose death at Megiddo is the widely accepted background for the "mourning of Hadad-Rimmon." His life and death are recorded in [[2 Kings 22-23]] and [[2 Chronicles 34-35]].
* **Repentance:** While the immediate context is mourning, the broader passage in Zechariah 12 speaks of a national turning and spiritual awakening, where mourning is a precursor to deep repentance.
* **"One whom they have pierced":** The preceding verse, [[Zechariah 12:10]], introduces the object of this profound lamentation, a figure widely understood to be the Messiah. This connection elevates the historical reference of Hadad-Rimmon to a typological significance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1910}}` is not intrinsic to the place itself, but rather to its role as a powerful prophetic metaphor within [[Zechariah 12:11]].
1. **Prophetic Parallel and Intensity of Lament:** The mourning at Hadad-Rimmon serves as a historical paradigm for an unparalleled future national lamentation in Jerusalem. The scale of grief for Josiah, a beloved and righteous king, becomes the benchmark for the profound sorrow that will accompany a future spiritual awakening.
2. **Deep National Repentance:** This intense mourning is directly linked to the realization of the nation's sin against "him whom they have pierced" ([[Zechariah 12:10]]). The sorrow is not merely for a loss, but for a grievous offense against God's chosen one, culminating in a spirit of grace and supplication that leads to true repentance and purification ([[Zechariah 13:1]]).
3. **Messianic Foreshadowing:** The link to [[Zechariah 12:10]] imbues the Hadad-Rimmon reference with profound Messianic implications. The historical mourning for Josiah, a king who died for his people (in a sense, defending them), becomes a type for the future mourning over the rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The depth of the future mourning will surpass even that of Josiah, as it is a lament for the one true King and Savior.
4. **Divine Judgment and Restoration:** The context of Zechariah 12 is the Lord's intervention to save Jerusalem from its enemies, followed by a profound spiritual cleansing. The mourning at Hadad-Rimmon is thus part of God's redemptive plan, a necessary step in the spiritual restoration and purification of His people.
### Summary
`{{H1910}}`, Hădadrimmôwn, is a geographical place name in ancient Palestine, likely named after two pagan deities (Hadad and Rimmon). Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[Zechariah 12:11]], where it serves as a historical reference point for an unprecedented future mourning in Jerusalem. This "mourning of Hadad-Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo" is widely understood to allude to the profound national lamentation for King Josiah, who died at Megiddo. Theologically, the reference functions as a powerful type, foreshadowing an even greater, collective repentance and sorrow that will grip the people of Jerusalem when they look upon "him whom they have pierced" ([[Zechariah 12:10]]). Thus, Hadad-Rimmon, though a specific location, symbolizes the depth of national repentance and spiritual awakening in the eschatological context of Israel's ultimate turning to their Messiah.
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