from an unused root (meaning to tower up); high; Horam, a Canaanitish king; Horam.
Transliteration:Hôrâm
Pronunciation:ho-rawm'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun הֹרָם (Hôrâm), Strong's number `{{H2036}}`, is derived from an unused root meaning "to tower up" or "high." As a personal name, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it identifies. However, the etymological meaning imbues the name with a significant characteristic: one who is "exalted," "lofty," or "high." This inherent meaning often carries a nuanced theological implication in the biblical narrative, particularly when applied to those who stand in opposition to God's purposes. While the root itself is not otherwise attested in the Hebrew Bible, the concept of height or exaltation, both literal and metaphorical, is a pervasive theme.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hôrâm appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the account of Israel's conquest of Canaan:
* **[[Joshua 10:33]]**: "Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him and his people until he left him none remaining."
In this sole occurrence, Horam is identified as the king of Gezer, a prominent Canaanite city-state. He is depicted as an ally of Lachish, one of the five Amorite kings who formed a confederation to fight against Gibeon after Gibeon made a treaty with Israel. When Joshua came to the aid of Gibeon, he decisively defeated this confederation, culminating in the capture of their kings. Horam's intervention on behalf of Lachish places him directly in opposition to Joshua and, by extension, to the divine mandate for Israel to possess the land. His defeat is swift and total, signifying the comprehensive nature of Israel's victory and God's judgment upon the Canaanite inhabitants. The brevity of his mention underscores his role as one among many kings whose resistance proved futile against the Lord's power.
### Related Words & Concepts
While the specific root for הֹרָם (Hôrâm) is noted as unused for other lexical items, the concept of "height," "exaltation," or "loftiness" is deeply embedded in biblical thought. This concept can be explored in relation to:
* **Divine Exaltation**: God is frequently described as "Most High" (e.g., אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, El Elyon, `{{H410}}` `{{H5945}}`), emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and transcendence. His "height" is a source of awe and worship.
* **Human Pride and Humiliation**: Conversely, human attempts at self-exaltation or "towering up" are often met with divine judgment. Examples include the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), where humanity sought to "make a name for ourselves," and the numerous prophetic condemnations of kings and nations who exalted themselves against God or His people (e.g., Isaiah's prophecies against Babylon, Isaiah 14:12-15). The name "Horam" (high, exalted) for a king who is utterly defeated serves as a poignant illustration of this theme.
* **Names as Prophetic Indicators**: In the biblical worldview, names often carried significant meaning, sometimes reflecting a person's character, destiny, or the circumstances of their birth. While Horam's name means "high," his ultimate fate is to be brought low, creating a powerful ironic contrast that highlights the futility of human strength against divine will.
### Theological Significance
The single biblical appearance of Horam, king of Gezer, carries profound theological significance, particularly when considered in light of his name's meaning. Horam, whose name means "high" or "exalted," represents the human and pagan power structures that stood in opposition to God's redemptive plan for Israel. His defeat at the hands of Joshua is not merely a military victory but a theological declaration:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Power**: Horam's "highness" and royal authority were utterly nullified by the power of the Lord working through Joshua. This event powerfully demonstrates that no human king, no matter how "exalted" or mighty, can withstand the purposes of the Almighty God. It is a testament to God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their rulers.
2. **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**: Horam's defeat is part of the larger narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, which was the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). The humbling of "high" kings like Horam underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His commitment to establishing them in the promised land.
3. **Judgment Against Wickedness**: The Canaanite nations, including Gezer, were characterized by practices abhorrent to God (e.g., child sacrifice, idolatry, sexual immorality). Horam's demise is thus an act of divine judgment against the wickedness that had filled the land, clearing the way for a people dedicated to the Lord. His "highness" in status did not exempt him from this judgment.
4. **The Humbling of the Proud**: The ironic contrast between Horam's name ("high") and his ignominious defeat serves as a powerful biblical motif: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([[Matthew 23:12]]). Horam's story, though brief, is a stark reminder of the fate awaiting those who set themselves up against God's will.
### Summary
Hôrâm (`{{H2036}}`), meaning "high" or "exalted," is a proper noun referring to the king of Gezer, mentioned only once in [[Joshua 10:33]]. He allied with other Canaanite kings to resist Israel's conquest and was decisively defeated by Joshua. His name, signifying loftiness, stands in stark contrast to his ultimate humbling and destruction, serving as a potent theological illustration. Horam's brief appearance underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over human power, the fulfillment of divine covenant promises, and the inevitable judgment upon those who oppose God's will. He represents the futility of human pride and strength when arrayed against the Lord, whose purposes cannot be thwarted.
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