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.
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.
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.
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.
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