patrial from חֹרֹנַיִם; a Choronite or inhabitant of Choronaim; Horonite.
Transliteration:Chôrônîy
Pronunciation:kho-ro-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֹרֹנִי (Chôrônîy, `{{H2772}}`) is a gentilic or patrial noun, meaning "a Horonite" or "an inhabitant of Horonaim." It is derived directly from the place name חֹרֹנַיִם (Chôrônayim, `{{H2773}}`), which translates to "Two Horons" or "Double Horon," suggesting a dual settlement or a place associated with a deity or feature named Horon. As a gentilic, its semantic range is narrow, serving primarily as a geographical and ethnic identifier, denoting a person's origin from the specific locale of Horonaim. It carries no inherent moral or spiritual meaning beyond this geographical association.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Chôrônîy (`{{H2772}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Nehemiah, where it is consistently applied to one individual: Sanballat.
* [[Nehemiah 2:10]]: "When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, it was very displeasing to them that someone had come to seek the well-being of the sons of Israel."
* [[Nehemiah 2:19]]: "But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they ridiculed us and despised us and said, 'What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?'"
* [[Nehemiah 4:1]]: "Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry, and he ridiculed the Jews." (Note: The Hebrew text of [[Nehemiah 4:1]] uses the full designation "Sanballat the Horonite" in some versions, though it might be implied in others. It refers back to the character established in [[Nehemiah 2:10]] and [[Nehemiah 2:19]]).
In these contexts, Sanballat the Horonite is depicted as a primary antagonist to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the Jewish community. His designation as "the Horonite" is significant because Horonaim (`{{H2773}}`) is consistently identified in prophetic literature as a city within the territory of Moab (e.g., [[Isaiah 15:5]], [[Jeremiah 48:3]], [[Jeremiah 48:5]], [[Jeremiah 48:34]]). This connection implies that Sanballat was either a Moabite by ethnicity or a leader with strong ties to the Moabite region, a nation historically hostile to Israel. His foreign origin, alongside Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab, underscores the external opposition faced by the returning exiles. The meticulous identification of these adversaries by their place of origin emphasizes their status as outsiders who sought to hinder God's work among His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is חֹרֹנַיִם (Chôrônayim, `{{H2773}}`), the place from which the Horonite originates. Understanding the location and historical associations of Horonaim is crucial for grasping the full implication of the term "Horonite." As noted, Horonaim is consistently linked to Moab in the prophetic books, particularly in oracles concerning judgment against Moab. This connection ties the "Horonite" identity to the broader biblical narrative of Moab's relationship with Israel, which was often characterized by antagonism, idolatry, and opposition (e.g., [[Numbers 22-24]], [[Judges 3]], [[2 Kings 3]]).
Furthermore, the figure of Sanballat is inextricably linked to this term. His actions, motives, and character define the practical implications of being "the Horonite" in the narrative. Other related concepts include:
* **Opposition to God's Work:** Sanballat, as the Horonite, embodies the resistance encountered by those seeking to fulfill divine mandates.
* **Foreign Antagonists:** The Horonite is part of a coalition of non-Israelite figures (Ammonite, Arab) who oppose the restoration of Judah.
* **National Identity and Purity:** The conflict with the Horonite highlights the importance of maintaining distinct national and religious identity in the face of external pressures.
### Theological Significance
While "Horonite" is primarily a geographical descriptor, its theological significance emerges powerfully through its association with Sanballat and his role in the post-exilic period. Sanballat the Horonite represents the external, often politically motivated, opposition to God's redemptive and restorative work. His efforts to discourage, threaten, and undermine the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the Jewish community illustrate the spiritual warfare inherent in fulfilling divine purposes.
The designation "Horonite," with its implied Moabite connection, subtly evokes the long history of animosity between Israel and its Transjordanian neighbors. This historical backdrop reinforces the perception of Sanballat not merely as a political rival but as a representative of forces inherently antagonistic to God's covenant people. The steadfast resistance of Nehemiah and the Jews in the face of the Horonite's threats serves as a theological lesson on perseverance, reliance on God's strength, and the ultimate triumph of divine will over human opposition. The "Horonite" thus becomes a symbol of the spiritual and physical challenges that believers may face when striving to obey God and advance His kingdom.
### Summary
The term חֹרֹנִי (Chôrônîy, `{{H2772}}`) is a gentilic noun meaning "inhabitant of Horonaim," a city consistently associated with Moab. Its singular biblical application is to Sanballat, a chief adversary of Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. As "Sanballat the Horonite," he represents the external forces that sought to hinder God's restorative work among His people. This designation, rooted in the historical antagonism between Israel and Moab, imbues the term with theological significance, symbolizing the persistent opposition faced by those committed to fulfilling divine purposes. The narrative of the Horonite's resistance and Nehemiah's faithfulness underscores themes of perseverance, trust in God, and the ultimate triumph of His plan despite formidable challenges.
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