The Hebrew word Hôwhâm, represented by H1944, is a proper name of uncertain derivation. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The name belongs to a Canaanitish king mentioned during the time of the Israelite conquest.
In the biblical narrative, Hôwhâm is identified as the king of Hebron. His sole appearance is in the account of the southern Canaanite coalition formed to attack Gibeon after its inhabitants made peace with Israel. Adonizedek, the king of Jerusalem, initiated this alliance by sending word to Hôwhâm and three other Canaanitish kings Joshua 10:3. This places Hôwhâm as a key figure in the organized opposition to Joshua's campaign in the promised land.
Several related words provide context for the role of Hôwhâm:
- H139 ʼĂdônîy-Tsedeq (Adonizedec): This name means "lord of justice" and belongs to the king of Jerusalem who organized the alliance against Joshua. He is the one who sent for Hôwhâm after hearing of Israel's military success against Ai (Joshua 10:1, Joshua 10:3).
- H4428 melek (king): This word defines the status and authority of Hôwhâm. He is introduced as the "king of Hebron," indicating his position as a regional ruler Joshua 10:3.
- H7971 shâlach (to send): This verb describes the action that brings Hôwhâm into the narrative. Adonizedek "sent" for him, an action taken to gather military strength and form a strategic coalition Joshua 10:3.
While the name Hôwhâm itself carries no direct theological weight, its context is significant.
- Human Kingship vs. Divine Kingship: Hôwhâm's role as an earthly king H4428 is part of a narrative that contrasts human authority with God's sovereignty. While these kings gathered to fight, Scripture elsewhere affirms that the LORD is the true King H4428 over all the earth Zechariah 14:9.
- A Human Summons: The narrative is set in motion when Adonizedek sends H7971 for Hôwhâm and other kings Joshua 10:3. This human act of sending for military purposes stands in contrast to the many instances where God sends H7971 His word to heal or His prophets to proclaim His will (Psalms 107:20, Isaiah 61:1).
- Organized Opposition to God's People: The alliance that Hôwhâm joined was formed specifically in response to Israel's victories and the fear they inspired Joshua 10:1. His participation marks him as an adversary to the people of Israel and, by extension, to their God-directed mission.
In summary, H1944 Hôwhâm is the name of a specific historical figure, the Canaanite king of Hebron. Though mentioned only once, his role is pivotal to the events of Joshua chapter 10. His inclusion as part of a military alliance illustrates the concrete opposition Israel faced during the conquest. The brief account involving Hôwhâm serves as a clear example of earthly kings banding together in reaction to the advancement of God's unfolding plan for His people.
TRV