The Hebrew name Hădadrimmôwn H1910 identifies Hadad-Rimmon, a place in Palestine. This specific geographical reference appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text. The name is understood to be a compound from הֲדַד and רִמּוֹן.
The sole appearance of H1910 is in Zechariah 12:11, where it serves as a powerful historical illustration. The verse prophesies a future time of profound grief, stating, "In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon." This usage establishes the "mourning of Hadadrimmon" as a well-known and exceptionally sorrowful event, so significant that it becomes the standard by which future national lamentation will be measured.
The context of H1910 is enriched by several surrounding words that define the scene of intense sorrow:
- H4553 miçpêd (a lamentation): Used twice in its singular verse, this word establishes the core theme of lamentation or mourning. The repetition emphasizes the depth of the sorrow being described Zechariah 12:11.
- H1431 gâdal (to be... large): This root word is used to describe the mourning as great, signifying an event of immense scale and emotional weight Zechariah 12:11.
- H4023 Mᵉgiddôwn (rendezvous; Megiddon or Megiddo, a place in Palestine): This name specifies the location as Megiddo. This was the site where King Josiah was slain, an event of national tragedy 2 Chronicles 35:22.
- H1237 biqʻâh (a wide level valley between mountains): This term clarifies the geography as a plain or valley, the setting for the significant historical event at Megiddon 2 Chronicles 35:22.
The theological weight of H1910 lies in its use as a prophetic symbol for the pinnacle of national sorrow and repentance.
- A Benchmark for Grief: Hadadrimmon is not just a place, but an event. It functions as a definitive measure of mourning, invoked to explain the depth of sorrow Jerusalem will experience in a future day Zechariah 12:11.
- Prophetic Parallelism: The mourning of Hadadrimmon is used in a context that parallels this national tragedy with the deeply personal grief for an "only son" Zechariah 12:10.
- Context for Repentance: This reference is set within a prophecy about Jerusalem receiving a "spirit of grace and of supplications" and mourning for one who was pierced Zechariah 12:10. The mention of Hadadrimmon, therefore, provides the emotional scale for this climactic moment of national turning to God.
In summary, H1910 Hădadrimmôwn is more than a simple place-name. Though appearing just once, it serves as a crucial historical and emotional anchor in prophecy. It represents a past event of such catastrophic sorrow that it becomes the definitive example of national lamentation. By invoking the mourning of Hadadrimmon, the prophet provides a tangible measure for the profound repentance and grief that will one day take place in Jerusalem, illustrating how specific history is used to frame prophetic truth.
TRV