or חֻשָׁם; from חוּשׁ; hastily; Chusham, an Idumaean; Husham.
Transliteration:Chûwshâm
Pronunciation:khoo-shawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun חוּשָׁם (Chûwshâm, `{{H2367}}`) is derived from the root חוּשׁ (chûsh, `{{H2363}}`), which primarily conveys the idea of "to make haste," "to hurry," or "to feel/perceive quickly." Thus, the name חוּשָׁם likely carries the semantic nuance of "hastily" or "one who makes haste." As a proper noun, its primary function is nominative, identifying a specific individual rather than conveying an active meaning in the text. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific identification within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חוּשָׁם (Chûwshâm, `{{H2367}}`) appears twice in the Old Testament, exclusively in the genealogical lists of the kings of Edom (Idumea).
* [[Genesis 36:34]]: "And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead." This verse places Husham as the successor to King Jobab in the lineage of Edomite rulers, specifically identifying him as originating from the "land of Temani," a significant region within Edom.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:45]]: "And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead." This passage provides a parallel account, confirming Husham's position in the Edomite royal succession.
In both instances, חוּשָׁם functions purely as a historical marker within a list of foreign kings, preceding the establishment of a monarchy in Israel. The context is purely genealogical and historical, providing a comprehensive account of the nations surrounding Israel. There is no narrative development or specific characterization associated with Husham beyond his name and royal office.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root חוּשׁ (chûsh, `{{H2363}}`), from which חוּשָׁם is derived. This root's meaning of "haste" or "quickness" informs the etymology of the name. Other related concepts include:
* **Edom/Idumea**: The nation over which Husham reigned. Edom (`{{H0123}}`) was the land of Esau's descendants, frequently portrayed in complex and often adversarial relations with Israel.
* **Temani/Temanites**: The specific region or people from which Husham hailed (`{{H8487}}`). Teman was a prominent city and region in Edom, sometimes associated with wisdom (e.g., Eliphaz the Temanite in the Book of Job).
* **Genealogical Lists**: The context in which חוּשָׁם appears is part of the extensive biblical genealogies, which serve to establish historical connections, demonstrate divine faithfulness in lineage, and provide a framework for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific families and nations.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun identifying a foreign king, חוּשָׁם (Chûwshâm, `{{H2367}}`) does not possess direct theological significance in the same vein as terms related to God's character, covenant, or salvation. However, its inclusion within the sacred text offers several implicit theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations**: The meticulous listing of Edomite kings, including Husham, underscores the biblical witness to God's universal sovereignty. Even nations outside the direct covenant line of Israel are within the scope of divine knowledge and historical ordering. This demonstrates that God's plan encompasses all of human history and all peoples.
* **Historical Veracity of Scripture**: The inclusion of such detailed foreign genealogies speaks to the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its claim to present a factual account of global history from a divine perspective.
* **Context for Israel's Identity**: By situating Israel's history within the broader context of surrounding nations and their rulers, the biblical narrative highlights Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, while acknowledging the existence and succession of other kingdoms.
### Summary
חוּשָׁם (Chûwshâm, `{{H2367}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "hastily" or "one who makes haste," derived from the root חוּשׁ (chûsh, `{{H2363}}`). It identifies an Edomite king from the land of Temani, mentioned in the genealogical records of [[Genesis 36:34]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:45]]. While the name itself carries an etymological meaning related to speed, its primary function in the biblical text is to serve as a historical marker within the comprehensive genealogies of nations. The inclusion of חוּשָׁם implicitly underscores the Bible's commitment to historical detail and God's overarching sovereignty, encompassing even the rulers of nations outside the direct covenant with Israel.
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