### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chôrônîy**, represented by `{{H2772}}`, is a patrial term meaning **Horonite**, or an inhabitant of Choronaim. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible and is used exclusively to identify Sanballat, a significant antagonist in the book of Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2772}}` consistently marks Sanballat as an adversary to the restoration of Jerusalem. When Sanballat the **Horonite** first heard that Nehemiah had come to seek the welfare of the Israelites, it "grieved them exceedingly" [[Nehemiah 2:10]]. Later, he and his allies openly opposed the rebuilding of the wall, where they "laughed us to scorn, and despised us" [[Nehemiah 2:19]], accusing the Jews of rebellion. The term's final use highlights a threat to the community's purity, as a son of the high priest became son-in-law to Sanballat the **Horonite**, prompting Nehemiah to chase him away [[Nehemiah 13:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context of opposition surrounding the **Horonite**:
* `{{H5571}}` **Çanballaṭ** (Sanballat): The only individual identified by the term `{{H2772}}`. He is described as a Persian satrap of Samaria and is the central figure of opposition in all three instances.
* `{{H2900}}` **Ṭôwbîyâh** (Tobiah): An Ammonite servant who is consistently aligned with Sanballat the Horonite in his efforts to hinder Nehemiah's work ([[Nehemiah 2:10]], [[Nehemiah 2:19]]).
* `{{H3932}}` **lâʻag** (to deride): This verb describes the action taken by the **Horonite** and his companions, who "laughed us to scorn" in an attempt to demoralize the builders of Jerusalem's wall [[Nehemiah 2:19]].
* `{{H4775}}` **mârad** (to rebel): This is the specific accusation leveled by Sanballat against the Jews, questioning if their work was an act of rebellion against the king [[Nehemiah 2:19]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H2772}}` is significant in the story of Israel's return from exile. The term **Horonite** functions as a marker for persistent and multifaceted opposition to God's purposes.
* **Hostility to Restoration:** The title is intrinsically linked to Sanballat, who is immediately "grieved" by any action that seeks the "welfare of the children of Israel" [[Nehemiah 2:10]]. This establishes the **Horonite** as a direct opponent to God's work of restoration.
* **Psychological Warfare:** The opposition from the **Horonite** was not only logistical but also psychological. He employed mockery `{{H3932}}` and contempt `{{H959}}` to undermine the morale and resolve of the people [[Nehemiah 2:19]].
* **Threat of Compromise:** The final mention of Sanballat the **Horonite** reveals a more insidious threat: infiltration and compromise within Israel's own leadership through a marital alliance with the high priest's family [[Nehemiah 13:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2772}}` is not merely a geographic identifier. It is the title of a key antagonist whose presence in the book of Nehemiah embodies the external pressures and internal threats faced by God's people. The term **Horonite** is exclusively associated with Sanballat, representing a consistent source of grief, mockery, and corrupting influence against the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the purification of its community.
TRV