from חָרַם; devoted; Chormah, a place in Palestine; Hormah.
Transliteration:Chormâh
Pronunciation:khor-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Chormâh (חׇרְמָה, `{{H2767}}`) is a proper noun, a place name, derived directly from the verbal root `{{H2763}}` (charam). This root carries a profound semantic range, fundamentally meaning "to devote," "to put under a ban," "to utterly destroy," or "to consecrate for destruction." Thus, Chormâh inherently signifies a place that has been "devoted" or "placed under a ban," often implying a state of irreversible dedication to God, typically involving the destruction of people or objects. As a geographical designation, Chormâh refers to a city located in the Negeb (southern Palestine). The name itself is etymologically linked to the historical circumstances or the fate of this locality, suggesting it was a site marked by a divine act of consecration through destruction, or a place where such a vow was made.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chormâh appears consistently in the historical narratives of the Old Testament, primarily in the context of Israel's conquest and settlement of Canaan.
* The most explicit explanation for the name is found in [[Numbers 21:1-3]]. After the King of Arad attacks Israel, the Israelites make a vow to the Lord: "If you will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy (וְהַחֲרַמְתִּי, from `{{H2763}}`) their cities." The Lord answers their prayer, and Israel carries out the vow, utterly destroying the Canaanites and their cities, and consequently, "he called the name of the place Hormah." This passage directly links the place name to the practice of *herem*.
* A similar account is given in [[Judges 1:17]], where Judah and Simeon strike the Canaanites inhabiting Zephath and "utterly destroyed (וַיַּחֲרִימוּ, from `{{H2763}}`) it. So the name of the city was called Hormah." This reinforces the foundational meaning of the name.
* [[Deuteronomy 1:44]] mentions Chormâh in the context of an earlier Israelite defeat, where the Amalekites and Canaanites "beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah." This might suggest the name was already known, or retroactively applied due to the nature of the battle, though it does not describe a *herem* performed by Israel.
* Chormâh is also listed among the cities whose kings Joshua defeated ([[Joshua 12:14]]), and is subsequently assigned to the tribe of Judah ([[Joshua 15:30]]) and later to Simeon ([[Joshua 19:4]]).
* In [[1 Samuel 30:30]], Chormâh is mentioned as one of the places to which David sent spoils after his victory over the Amalekites, indicating its continued existence as a settlement, albeit one with a significant history tied to the concept of destruction and devotion.
The recurring theme across these occurrences is the association of Chormâh with significant battles, acts of utter destruction, and the concept of *herem*, serving as a perpetual memorial to these events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of Chormâh (`{{H2767}}`) is inextricably linked to its linguistic and theological kin:
* **`{{H2763}}` (charam):** The foundational verb, meaning "to devote," "to put under a ban," "to utterly destroy." This verb describes the action that gives Chormâh its name and meaning. The *herem* was a specific practice, often divinely commanded, where people, cities, or objects were completely destroyed or consecrated to God by destruction, typically to prevent spiritual contamination or to execute divine judgment.
* **`{{H2764}}` (cherem):** The noun form derived from the same root, meaning "a devoted thing," "a ban," "a curse," "utter destruction." This noun directly refers to the object or state of being under the ban of destruction, which is the essence of the place name Chormâh.
* **Annihilation/Devotion:** The concept inherent in Chormâh is not merely defeat but a complete eradication or dedication to God through destruction. It highlights the absolute nature of the *herem*.
* **Holy War:** The practice of *herem*, and thus the significance of a place like Chormâh, is deeply connected to the concept of "holy war" in ancient Israel, where battles were fought under divine command, and the inhabitants or spoils were "devoted" to Yahweh as an act of worship and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The naming of Chormâh (Hormah) carries profound theological weight, serving as a tangible reminder of the principle of *herem*.
* It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the land and its inhabitants, and His command for Israel to purify the land of its pervasive pagan influences.
* In [[Numbers 21]], the naming of Chormâh directly results from Israel's vow to God and His subsequent delivery of their enemies, illustrating the fulfillment of a divine mandate and the severe consequences of obedience in executing divine judgment.
* The *herem* itself, and by extension the name Chormâh, highlights God's absolute holiness and His intolerance of sin and idolatry within the promised land. It represents a severe judgment upon the Canaanite inhabitants, whose wickedness had reached its full measure.
* For Israel, the practice of *herem* was intended as a safeguard against assimilation and apostasy. Chormâh, therefore, stands as a perpetual warning against spiritual compromise and a testament to the cost of disobedience to God's commands.
* From a broader theological perspective, the *herem* can be understood as a foreshadowing of ultimate divine judgment, where all that opposes God will be utterly destroyed or removed from His holy presence.
### Summary
Chormâh (חׇרְמָה, `{{H2767}}`) is a significant place name in the Old Testament, etymologically derived from the Hebrew root `{{H2763}}` (charam), meaning "to devote" or "to utterly destroy." This name, often transliterated as Hormah, serves as a lasting memorial to the concept of *herem*—the practice of utterly destroying enemies or their possessions as an act of consecration to Yahweh. Biblical narratives, particularly in [[Numbers 21:1-3]] and [[Judges 1:17]], explicitly link the naming of Chormâh to instances where Israel "devoted" or "utterly destroyed" Canaanite cities. Theologically, Chormâh powerfully underscores God's holiness, His judgment against sin and idolatry, and His commands for Israel to purify the land. It stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of divine judgment and the necessity of absolute devotion to God.
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