feminine of הָמוֹן; multitude; , the same as הֲמוֹן גּוֹג; Hamonah; Hamonah.
Transliteration:Hămôwnâh
Pronunciation:ham-o-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1997, הֲמוֹנָה (Hămôwnâh), is a proper noun derived from the masculine noun `{{H1995}}` (הָמוֹן). While `{{H1995}}` carries a broad semantic range including "multitude," "crowd," "noise," "tumult," "abundance," or "wealth," the feminine form H1997 specifically denotes a place name. Its core meaning, therefore, refers to a location characterized by a "multitude" or "great throng." The definition explicitly links it to "the same as הֲמוֹן גּוֹג," indicating its specific referent as the place of the "multitude of Gog."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הֲמוֹנָה (Hămôwnâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 39:16]]**: "And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus they shall cleanse the land."
This singular occurrence is situated within Ezekiel's elaborate prophecy concerning the eschatological battle against Gog, of the land of Magog. Following the devastating defeat of Gog's vast army, the prophet describes the immense task of burying the dead. The sheer number of corpses necessitates a seven-month period for the house of Israel to bury them, thereby cleansing the land. The valley where this burial takes place is explicitly named "The Valley of Hamon-gog" (גֵּיא הֲמוֹן גּוֹג, [[Ezekiel 39:11]]), signifying "the valley of the multitude of Gog." In [[Ezekiel 39:16]], the city near this burial site is likewise named Hamonah, reinforcing the theme of the overwhelming multitude of the vanquished enemy. The naming of both the valley and the city after the "multitude" serves as a lasting memorial to the scale of God's judgment and the comprehensive nature of the defeat.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H1995}}` (הָמוֹן), from which הֲמוֹנָה (Hămôwnâh) is derived. `{{H1995}}` is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe large crowds, armies, noises, or even the sound of rushing water. Its application in the context of Gog (e.g., "multitude of Gog" in [[Ezekiel 39:11]]) directly informs the meaning of H1997.
Other related concepts include:
* **Gog and Magog**: The primary antagonists in this eschatological narrative, representing the ultimate human opposition to God and His people.
* **Divine Judgment**: The context of the word is God's decisive and overwhelming judgment upon the forces of evil.
* **Purification/Cleansing of the Land**: The extensive burial process and the naming of the places (Hamonah, Hamon-gog) are integral to the theological concept of ritually cleansing the land from the defilement caused by the unholy dead. This speaks to God's desire for a holy dwelling place among His people.
* **Eschatology**: The entire passage in Ezekiel 38-39, including the mention of Hamonah, is a pivotal text for understanding biblical end-times prophecies regarding the ultimate defeat of God's enemies and the establishment of His kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of הֲמוֹנָה (Hămôwnâh) is deeply embedded within the broader message of Ezekiel's prophecy concerning Gog. First, the naming of the city "Hamonah" serves as an enduring testament to the *immense scale* of the enemy forces that God utterly defeats. It underscores the truth that no human multitude, however vast or formidable, can stand against the sovereign power of Yahweh. The very name of the place becomes a monument to God's triumph.
Second, "Hamonah" signifies the *completeness and finality* of God's judgment. The burial of the dead is not merely a practical necessity but a ritual act of removing defilement from the land. The naming of the place reinforces the idea that the land, once threatened by an unholy multitude, is now cleansed and consecrated. This reflects God's unwavering commitment to the holiness of His dwelling place and His people.
Finally, the concept of Hamonah contributes to the eschatological hope presented in Ezekiel. The defeat of Gog and the cleansing of the land pave the way for the restoration of Israel and the full manifestation of God's glory among His people (e.g., [[Ezekiel 39:21-29]]). Thus, Hamonah, though a place of death and judgment, ultimately points to the vindication of God's name and the establishment of His righteous reign.
### Summary
H1997, הֲמוֹנָה (Hămôwnâh), is a unique and significant proper noun appearing solely in [[Ezekiel 39:16]]. Derived from `{{H1995}}` ("multitude"), it names the city near the burial site of the vast army of Gog, known as the Valley of Hamon-gog. Its singular occurrence highlights its specific role in the eschatological narrative of divine judgment. Theologically, Hamonah serves as a powerful symbol of God's absolute sovereignty over all human forces, the complete and final nature of His judgment against evil, and the subsequent purification of the land in preparation for the full manifestation of His glory among His people. It stands as a perpetual reminder of the overwhelming defeat of God's enemies and the ultimate triumph of His righteous purposes.
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