from חָרַם; snub-nosed; Charim, an Israelite; Harim.
Transliteration:Chârim
Pronunciation:khaw-reem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2766}}`, *Chârim* (חָרִם), functions primarily as a proper noun, a personal name given to several individuals and a family line in the Old Testament. Its base definition is given as "snub-nosed," suggesting a physical characteristic. This meaning is derived from the root `{{H2763}}` (חָרַם, *charam*), which carries a much deeper and more significant semantic range. The root `{{H2763}}` fundamentally means "to devote," "to utterly destroy," or "to ban." It is the root from which the concept of *herem* (the devoted thing, often for destruction) is derived. The application of a name meaning "snub-nosed" from a root meaning "to devote" or "destroy" presents an interesting tension. While the direct meaning of the name refers to a physical trait, the underlying etymological connection to `{{H2763}}` invites reflection on the broader theological implications of devotion and separation unto the Lord, even if subtly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Harim (`{{H2766}}`) appears in several significant contexts within the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, indicating its prevalence among the returning exiles and priestly families.
1. **Priestly Division:** In [[1 Chronicles 24:8]], Harim is listed as the third of the twenty-four divisions of priests established by David for service in the temple. This indicates a prominent and hereditary role in the worship life of Israel. This priestly lineage suggests a family dedicated to the sacred service of God.
2. **Return from Exile:** The "sons of Harim" are listed among the exiles who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel in [[Ezra 2:32]] and [[Nehemiah 7:35]]. Their number, 320, signifies a substantial family group participating in the re-establishment of the community in Judah. Their return underscores their commitment to the covenant and the restoration of Jerusalem.
3. **Intermarriage with Foreign Wives:** Tragically, among those who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period, several individuals from the "sons of Harim" are named in [[Ezra 10:21]]. This act was a violation of the Mosaic Law and a significant spiritual compromise, highlighting the struggles of the returned exiles to maintain their covenant purity. This instance provides a sobering counterpoint to the family's priestly heritage.
4. **Rebuilding the Wall:** In [[Nehemiah 3:11]], Malchijah the son of Harim is mentioned as one of the individuals who repaired a section of the wall of Jerusalem. This participation in the physical restoration of the city demonstrates active involvement in the community's rebuilding efforts under Nehemiah's leadership.
5. **Covenant Signatories:** A representative from the Harim family, identified as a priest, signed the solemn covenant to walk in God's Law during Nehemiah's time ([[Nehemiah 10:27]]). This act reaffirms their commitment to covenant faithfulness and obedience.
6. **Priestly Lineage in Nehemiah:** Harim is again listed as a priestly family in [[Nehemiah 12:15]], further cementing their identity as a significant priestly house in the post-exilic period.
Across these occurrences, the name Harim is associated with both faithful service (priestly duties, rebuilding the wall, covenant signing) and moments of spiritual failure (intermarriage), reflecting the complex reality of human faithfulness within God's covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H2766}}` is its root, `{{H2763}}` (חָרַם, *charam*). This verb is foundational to understanding the concept of *herem*, which denotes something "devoted" to God, often for complete destruction, or "set apart" for sacred use.
* **Devotion/Consecration:** In a positive sense, *charam* can imply setting something apart exclusively for God, making it inviolable or holy. This aligns with the priestly role of the Harim family, who were "set apart" for divine service.
* **Utter Destruction/Banning:** More commonly, *charam* refers to the divine command for the complete destruction of certain enemies or cities, as seen in the conquest narratives (e.g., Jericho in [[Joshua 6:17-21]]). This is a severe act of judgment, "devoting" something to God by removing it entirely from human use.
* **Separation:** The underlying concept of *charam* is one of absolute separation—either for God's holy purposes or for His judgment.
While the name Harim directly means "snub-nosed," the connection to `{{H2763}}` subtly evokes themes of being "set apart" or "devoted." This could be interpreted as a family line, despite a seemingly mundane name, being consecrated to God's service, particularly evident in their priestly duties. Other related concepts include:
* **Priesthood:** The Harim family's prominent role in the Levitical priesthood underscores their responsibility for mediating between God and His people, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law.
* **Covenant:** The various Harim individuals' involvement in the return from exile, rebuilding, and covenant signing highlights their place within the covenant community and their struggles with covenant fidelity.
* **Restoration:** The participation of Harim family members in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolizes the broader theme of God's restoration of His people after judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2766}}` lies not in the literal meaning of "snub-nosed," but in the identity and actions of the individuals who bore this name within Israel's covenant history.
1. **God's Use of Ordinary People:** The name "Harim" itself, denoting a common physical characteristic, serves as a reminder that God often calls and uses ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. Despite a name that might seem unremarkable, the Harim family played vital roles in the priestly service, the return from exile, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
2. **The Tension of Devotion and Failure:** The family of Harim, as a priestly house, was "devoted" to God's service. This aligns conceptually with the root `{{H2763}}` (charam), which speaks of being set apart for God. However, the recorded instances of intermarriage ([[Ezra 10:21]]) demonstrate the human capacity for failure even among those consecrated to God. This tension underscores the persistent challenge of covenant faithfulness and the need for ongoing repentance and commitment.
3. **Continuity of God's Plan:** The presence of the Harim family from the time of David's priestly divisions through the post-exilic period illustrates the continuity of God's plan for His people and the enduring nature of the priestly office. Their participation in rebuilding the wall and signing the covenant signifies their role in the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel.
4. **God's Grace in Restoration:** Despite their failures, the Harim family continued to be part of the community and its leadership, participating in the rebuilding and recommitment to God's Law. This reflects God's enduring grace and His willingness to restore His people when they turn back to Him.
### Summary
`{{H2766}}`, *Chârim*, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "snub-nosed," derived from the root `{{H2763}}` (חָרַם), which signifies "to devote" or "to utterly destroy." This name designates several notable individuals and a prominent priestly family in ancient Israel. Biblical occurrences highlight the Harim family's significant roles: they were a priestly division established by David ([[1 Chronicles 24:8]]), a substantial group among those returning from Babylonian exile ([[Ezra 2:32]], [[Nehemiah 7:35]]), participants in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall ([[Nehemiah 3:11]]), and signatories to the renewed covenant ([[Nehemiah 10:27]]). However, members of this family were also implicated in the sin of intermarriage with foreign women ([[Ezra 10:21]]), illustrating the persistent challenge of covenant faithfulness. The theological significance of "Harim" lies in the demonstration of God's use of ordinary people for His purposes, the tension between human devotion and human fallibility, and the enduring nature of God's covenant and His work of restoration through His people. While the name's literal meaning is physical, its underlying root subtly points to the broader concepts of being set apart for God's service and the sacred calling placed upon His people.
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