of uncertain derivation; Hoham, a Canaanitish king; Hoham.
Transliteration:Hôwhâm
Pronunciation:ho-hawm'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma הוֹהָם (Hôwhâm), transliterated as Hoham (`{{H1944}}`), is a proper noun. Its base definition indicates a Canaanitish king. The Strong's entry explicitly states its derivation is "uncertain," meaning that no definitive etymological root or inherent meaning can be ascribed to the name itself beyond its function as a personal identifier. As a proper noun, its semantic range is entirely restricted to designating a specific individual within the biblical narrative, namely the King of Hebron during the time of Joshua. It carries no broader conceptual or abstract meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hoham (`{{H1944}}`) occurs only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Joshua 10:3]]. In this passage, Hoham is identified as the King of Hebron. He is one of five Amorite kings who form a confederacy against Gibeon after Gibeon makes peace with Israel. The other kings in this alliance are Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. This coalition represents a significant act of resistance against Israel's divinely mandated conquest of Canaan. The narrative proceeds to describe Joshua's swift response, leading to the famous battle where the sun stood still. Hoham, along with his confederates, flees and hides in a cave at Makkedah, only to be discovered, brought out, and executed by Joshua. His defeat and death are presented as a clear demonstration of Yahweh's power and His commitment to delivering the land into the hands of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun designating a specific historical figure, Hoham (`{{H1944}}`) is primarily related to the other four kings mentioned alongside him in [[Joshua 10:3]]: Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. Collectively, they represent the entrenched Canaanite/Amorite resistance to Israel's entry into the Promised Land. The broader conceptual framework includes:
* **Canaanite Kingship:** Hoham's role as a king highlights the established political structures of the land prior to the Israelite conquest.
* **The Conquest of Canaan:** His story is an integral part of the larger narrative of Israel's military campaigns under Joshua, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham ([[Genesis 15:16]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** Hoham and his confederates are subject to God's judgment upon the wickedness of the Canaanite nations.
* **The *Herem* (Devotion to Destruction):** The execution of these kings is part of the broader application of the *herem*, signifying the complete removal of pagan influence from the land.
* **Hebron:** As the king of Hebron, Hoham is linked to this significant city, which later becomes an important Israelite city, a city of refuge, and a burial place for patriarchs.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Hoham (`{{H1944}}`) lies not in his individual character or actions, about which the text provides minimal detail, but in his representative role within the divine drama of the conquest. As a Canaanite king, he embodies the spiritual and political opposition that Israel faced in claiming its inheritance. His defeat and execution are profoundly significant:
1. **Divine Faithfulness:** Hoham's overthrow demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, fulfilling His word to give the land of Canaan to Israel.
2. **Divine Judgment:** His demise serves as a vivid illustration of God's righteous judgment against the idolatry and wickedness prevalent among the Canaanite nations, which had reached its full measure ([[Genesis 15:16]]).
3. **God's Sovereignty:** The narrative of the five kings, including Hoham, being delivered into Joshua's hand, culminating in the miraculous intervention of the sun standing still, underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over human kings, armies, and even the cosmos, all working to accomplish His redemptive purposes for Israel.
4. **Exemplar of Resistance and Defeat:** Hoham stands as an example of those who resist God's will and are consequently brought to ruin. His fate serves as a warning against opposing the divine plan.
### Summary
Hoham (`{{H1944}}`) is a proper noun referring to the King of Hebron, whose name's etymology remains uncertain. He appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Joshua 10:3]], where he is identified as one of five Amorite kings who confederate against Gibeon in response to its peace treaty with Israel. This alliance precipitates a major battle in the conquest narrative, during which Hoham and his fellow kings are defeated by Joshua, captured in a cave at Makkedah, and subsequently executed. Theologically, Hoham represents the Canaanite opposition to Israel's divinely ordained conquest. His defeat and death are a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His righteous judgment against the nations, and His active sovereignty in securing the Promised Land for His people.