The Hebrew word Chermôwn, represented by H2768, is defined as Hermon, a mount of Palestine described as "abrupt." It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. This prominent geographical feature primarily serves as a significant landmark for defining territorial boundaries in the Old Testament narrative.
In the biblical narrative, Mount Hermon H2768 functions as a crucial geographical marker. It is repeatedly cited as the northern boundary of the land conquered by the Israelites east of the Jordan. This territory, taken from the two Amorite kings, stretched from the river Arnon "unto mount Hermon" (Deuteronomy 3:8; Joshua 12:1). The mountain was so well-known that scripture records its various names among different peoples: the Sidonians called it Sirion, and the Amorites called it Shenir Deuteronomy 3:9. It is also identified as "mount Sion" Deuteronomy 4:48.
Several related words help establish the context and significance of Hermon:
- H2022 har (a mountain or range of hills): This word is fundamental to the identity of H2768, as it is almost always referred to as "mount Hermon," establishing its nature as a prominent elevation that defines a landscape Joshua 13:11.
- H1316 Bâshân (a region East of the Jordan): This territory is consistently located alongside Hermon, defining the extent of kingdoms and tribal allotments, such as the area where the half-tribe of Manasseh dwelt 1 Chronicles 5:23.
- H8149 Shᵉnîyr (peak; Shenir or Senir, a summit of Lebanon): Scripture explicitly states this is the name the Amorites used for Hermon, highlighting its regional importance beyond the Israelites Deuteronomy 3:9.
- H3844 Lᵉbânôwn (Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine): Hermon is associated with this famous range, often marking the extent of its domain, as seen in the description of lands "from Baalgad under mount Hermon" extending toward Lebanon Joshua 13:5.
The significance of H2768 is both geographical and symbolic.
- Definitive Boundary: Hermon's primary role is to serve as an unambiguous border, marking the northern extent of Israel's conquests and the land promised to the tribes east of the Jordan Joshua 12:5.
- Symbol of Blessing: In the Psalms, the "dew of Hermon" is used as a powerful metaphor for the abundant blessing and life that the Lord commanded to descend upon the mountains of Zion Psalms 133:3.
- A Witness to Creation: Paired with another mountain, Tabor, Hermon is personified as part of God's creation that will "rejoice in thy name," signifying its role as a testament to the Creator's power Psalms 89:12.
- A Point of Perspective: In Song of Solomon, the lover is invited to look from the peaks of Amana, Shenir, and Hermon, using the mountain as a high vantage point of great natural beauty and majesty Song of Solomon 4:8.
In summary, Chermôwn H2768 is far more than a simple geographical name. It is a cornerstone of Israel's territorial history, a fixed point on the biblical map that defines the scope of conquest and settlement. Beyond its literal role, it is elevated in scripture to a symbol of divine blessing and a joyful participant in God's creation, illustrating how a physical landmark can carry profound historical and poetic weight.
TRV