### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Hâm** `{{H1990}}`, of uncertain derivation, identifies **Ham, a region of Palestine**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 verse**, marking its specific use in the biblical text to name a particular location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H1990}}` is in [[Genesis 14:5]], where it is identified as the place where the Zuzims were attacked. The verse describes a military campaign led by **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** `{{H3540}}` and allied **kings** `{{H4428}}`. They **came** `{{H935}}` in the fourteenth **year** `{{H8141}}` and **smote** `{{H5221}}` several tribes, including the Zuzims in **Ham**, the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this event:
* `{{H3540}}` **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** (an early Persian king): The leader of the invading kings who carried out the attack described in [[Genesis 14:5]].
* `{{H2104}}` **Zûwzîym** (Zuzims): An aboriginal tribe of Palestine that was smitten in the region of **Ham** [[Genesis 14:5]].
* `{{H368}}` **ʼÊymîym** (Emims): An early tribe who were also defeated during the same military campaign, highlighting the scope of the conflict [[Genesis 14:5]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, smite, kill): This verb describes the decisive action taken against the peoples of the region, including those in **Ham**.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1990}}` is rooted in its role within the biblical historical narrative.
* **Geographical Anchor:** The primary function of **Ham** is to provide a specific geographical location for the events of [[Genesis 14:5]], grounding the account in a real-world setting.
* **Site of Conflict:** The region is recorded specifically as the site of a military engagement where the **Zûwzîym** `{{H2104}}` were smitten by the forces of **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** `{{H3540}}`.
* **Part of a Larger Campaign:** The conflict in **Ham** was not an isolated event but a key part of a broader military action by **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** to reassert dominance after a rebellion [[Genesis 14:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **Hâm** `{{H1990}}` is a specific geographical place name with a single, focused use in Scripture. It serves to identify the location where the **Zûwzîym** `{{H2104}}` were defeated during the military campaign of **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** `{{H3540}}` and his allies. While not a word with extensive theological development, its presence in [[Genesis 14:5]] provides a concrete detail that anchors the biblical account of this ancient conflict in a specific time and place.
TRV