### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Hôrâm**, represented by `{{H2036}}`, means **high** and is derived from a root meaning "to tower up." It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name belongs to a Canaanitish king who played a minor but illustrative role in the narrative of Israel's conquest of the promised land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2036}}` is in the account of the southern campaign led by Joshua. In this passage, **Hôrâm** `{{H2036}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Gezer** `{{H1507}}`, **came up** `{{H5927}}` to **help** `{{H5826}}` the city of **Lachish** `{{H3923}}` against the Israelite army. His intervention was unsuccessful, as **Joshua** `{{H3091}}` **smote** `{{H5221}}` him and his **people** `{{H5971}}` so completely that none were **left** `{{H7604}}` **remaining** `{{H8300}}` [[Joshua 10:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the surrounding narrative provide context for Horam's brief appearance:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): Horam’s title was **king**, representing earthly authority. This stands in contrast to the frequent biblical declaration that the LORD is the true **King** `{{H4428}}` of Israel [[Isaiah 44:6]].
* `{{H1507}}` **Gezer** (Gezer): This was the city-state ruled by Horam. Even after his defeat, the Canaanites in **Gezer** `{{H1507}}` were not immediately driven out and continued to dwell among the Ephraimites [[Joshua 16:10]].
* `{{H5826}}` **ʻâzar** (to help, succour): Horam’s purpose was to **help** `{{H5826}}` his ally, but this human aid failed. Scripture often contrasts such efforts with the assurance that God will **help** `{{H5826}}` His people [[1 Samuel 7:12]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, smite, kill): This word describes the decisive action taken against Horam. This term is often used for divine judgment, such as when the Messiah is described as **smitten** `{{H5221}}` of God [[Isaiah 53:4]].
* `{{H3091}}` **Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ** (Joshua): As the leader of Israel, **Joshua** `{{H3091}}` was the agent of God's victory over Horam. His name means "Jehovah-saved," and he led the people with the assurance that God was with them [[Joshua 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H2036}}` is found in its illustrative role within the conquest account.
* **Opposition to God's Plan:** Horam's action to **help** `{{H5826}}` Lachish places him in direct opposition to the Israelite conquest. He represents one of the local Canaanite powers that resisted Israel's God-commanded entry into the land [[Joshua 10:33]].
* **Symbol of Futile Human Power:** Despite his name meaning **high** and his title as **king** `{{H4428}}`, Horam's power was insufficient. His attempt to aid an ally resulted in his own total destruction, demonstrating the futility of human alliances against God's purposes.
* **Recipient of Divine Judgment:** The narrative emphasizes the totality of Horam's defeat: Joshua **smote** `{{H5221}}` him and his people until he had **left** `{{H7604}}` him **none remaining** `{{H8300}}`. This aligns with the broader theme in Joshua where the armies of Canaan are utterly destroyed as an act of divine judgment [[Joshua 10:40]].
### Summary
In summary, **Hôrâm** `{{H2036}}` is not a major biblical figure, but his single appearance is significant. His story is a concise illustration of the themes of the book of Joshua: the failure of Canaanite opposition, the futility of human strength against divine will, and the execution of God's judgment. Though his name means **high**, his legacy is one of being swiftly brought low by the hand of God through His servant Joshua.
TRV