plural of חֶרְמוֹן; Hermons, i.e. its peaks; the Hermonites.
Transliteration:Chermôwnîym
Pronunciation:kher-mo-neem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֶרְמוֹנִים (Chermôwnîym, `{{H2769}}`) is the plural form of חֶרְמוֹן (Chermon, `{{H2768}}`), which refers to Mount Hermon. The base definition indicates its meaning as "Hermons," specifically referring to its peaks, or metaphorically, "the Hermonites," perhaps denoting the inhabitants or the region associated with this prominent mountain. Mount Hermon itself is a majestic mountain range forming the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountains, known for its snow-capped peaks and significant geographical and climatic influence on the region. The plural form, therefore, extends the singular reference to encompass the various summits or the broader mountainous region of Hermon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֶרְמוֹנִים (Chermôwnîym, `{{H2769}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 42:6]] (MT 42:7): "O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar." The context of Psalm 42 is a poignant lament of a psalmist who is far from the sanctuary of God, experiencing deep spiritual distress and longing for divine presence. The mention of "the land of Jordan and of Hermon" along with "Mount Mizar" serves to establish the geographical location from which the psalmist remembers God. This location is typically understood as being in the northern regions beyond the Jordan River, far from Jerusalem and the Temple. The use of the plural "Hermonim" here is often translated as "peaks of Hermon" (e.g., ESV, NASB, NET, CSB), emphasizing the distinct summits of the mountain range rather than a specific people group. This interpretation aligns well with the other geographical markers in the verse, painting a picture of a distant, mountainous landscape from which the psalmist's soul cries out to God. The reference underscores the psalmist's profound sense of alienation and distance from the spiritual center, yet simultaneously demonstrates an enduring remembrance of God even from such remote and challenging circumstances.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is חֶרְמוֹן (Chermon, `{{H2768}}`), the singular form of Mount Hermon, which is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a geographical landmark. Other related geographical terms in [[Psalm 42:6]] include "land of Jordan" and "Mount Mizar," which collectively define the psalmist's remote location. Conceptually, the passage relates to themes of exile, longing for God, spiritual distress, and the omnipresence of God. Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize stability, grandeur, and places of divine encounter or revelation (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Zion). The "Hermonites" or "peaks of Hermon" in this context contributes to the imagery of a distant, majestic, yet perhaps isolating, landscape from which the psalmist's faith endures.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of חֶרְמוֹנִים (Chermôwnîym, `{{H2769}}`) in [[Psalm 42:6]] holds significant theological weight within the context of the psalmist's lament. It highlights the profound truth of God's omnipresence and the accessibility of remembrance and prayer from any location, no matter how distant or isolated. The psalmist, cast down and far from the sacred precincts of Jerusalem, nevertheless affirms the capacity to "remember You" from the "peaks of Hermon." This demonstrates that the divine-human relationship is not confined to specific geographical sanctuaries but transcends physical boundaries. The grandeur of Hermon, a towering and majestic mountain, subtly underscores the greatness and majesty of the God being remembered, even as the psalmist experiences personal desolation. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of faith and hope in God, even amidst profound spiritual and physical displacement.
### Summary
חֶרְמוֹנִים (Chermôwnîym, `{{H2769}}`) is the plural form of חֶרְמוֹן (Chermon, `{{H2768}}`), referring to the peaks of Mount Hermon or its associated region. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 42:6]] places it as a geographical marker, signifying the northern, mountainous region from which the psalmist, in deep distress, remembers God. This unique reference underscores the psalmist's profound longing for God from a distant location, affirming the divine omnipresence and the enduring human capacity to seek and remember God from any point on earth, regardless of physical or spiritual separation from the central place of worship.
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