dual of a derivative from חוֹר; double cave-town; Choronajim, a place in Moab; Horonaim.
Transliteration:Chôrônayim
Pronunciation:kho-ro-nah'-yim
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֹרֹנַיִם (Chôrônayim, `{{H2773}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymology is derived from a dual form of a derivative of the root חוֹר (chôr, `{{H2356}}`). The root חוֹר typically refers to a "hole," "cavity," or "cave." Thus, the name Chôrônayim is commonly understood to mean "double cave-town" or "place of two caves." The dual ending (-ayim) signifies a pair or duality, suggesting a prominent feature of the location's topography. As a geographical designation, its semantic range is primarily fixed to its specific location within the territory of Moab, serving as a marker for a significant locale rather than conveying a broader conceptual meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chôrônayim appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within prophetic oracles concerning the judgment of Moab. Each instance underscores its role as a prominent city or region within the Moabite territory, experiencing or witnessing the divine decree of destruction.
1. **[[Isaiah 15:5]]**: "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee to Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah. For by the ascent of Luhith they go up with weeping; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction." Here, Horonaim is depicted as a place from which a "cry of destruction" (שֶׁבֶר, shever) ascends, indicating the widespread devastation befalling Moab. It is mentioned alongside Luhith, another Moabite locale, emphasizing a specific route or region affected by the calamity.
2. **[[Jeremiah 48:3]]**: "A voice of a cry from Horonaim, 'Desolation and great destruction!'" Similar to Isaiah, Jeremiah's prophecy highlights Horonaim as a source or focal point of the lamentation and destruction. The repetition of "desolation and great destruction" (שֹׁבֶר וָשֶׁבֶר גָּדוֹל) reinforces the severity of the impending judgment.
3. **[[Jeremiah 48:5]]**: "For by the ascent of Luhith they go up with weeping; for on the descent of Horonaim they have heard the cry of destruction." This verse closely parallels [[Isaiah 15:5]], again linking Horonaim with Luhith and emphasizing the lamentation associated with the "descent" into or from the city. The geographical description "descent" (מוֹרַד) might suggest a strategic or difficult pass, making its fall particularly significant.
4. **[[Jeremiah 48:34]]**: "From the cry of Heshbon even to Elealeh, and as far as Jahaz, they utter their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim, like a heifer of three years old; for the waters of Nimrim also shall be desolate." This verse uses Horonaim as a geographical boundary marker, delineating the vast extent of Moab's devastation. The lamentation stretches "from Zoar even to Horonaim," indicating that the entire breadth of Moabite territory, from its southern limits (Zoar) to a significant point further north or west (Horonaim), will experience the judgment.
Across these occurrences, Chôrônayim consistently serves as a concrete geographical reference point within the prophecies of Moab's downfall, underscoring the comprehensive nature of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Chôrônayim is its root חוֹר (chôr, `{{H2356}}`), which means "hole" or "cave." This etymological link suggests a topographical feature that likely gave the city its name, possibly a region characterized by caves or deep valleys. While not directly related by root, other Moabite cities mentioned in the same prophetic contexts provide geographical and thematic connections:
* **Luhith**: Frequently paired with Horonaim, suggesting geographical proximity or a shared route (e.g., [[Isaiah 15:5]], [[Jeremiah 48:5]]).
* **Zoar**: Often mentioned as a boundary or point of refuge (e.g., [[Isaiah 15:5]], [[Jeremiah 48:34]]).
* **Heshbon, Elealeh, Jahaz, Dibon, Nebo, Medeba, Kir-Heres**: Other cities within Moab that are subject to the same divine judgment, illustrating the wide-ranging nature of the prophecies (e.g., [[Jeremiah 48]]).
The overarching concepts related to Chôrônayim are those of **divine judgment**, **lamentation**, **destruction**, and the **demise of nations hostile to Israel**.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Chôrônayim lies not in any inherent spiritual quality of the place itself, but in its role as a specific, tangible locus within the broader narrative of divine judgment and prophetic fulfillment.
1. **Specificity of Judgment**: The repeated mention of Chôrônayim, alongside other Moabite cities, demonstrates the precise and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. It is not a vague, generalized condemnation but a targeted, detailed pronouncement against specific entities, underscoring God's meticulous oversight of history and nations.
2. **Prophetic Veracity**: The lamentations and cries of destruction associated with Chôrônayim serve as a stark fulfillment of the prophetic word. The prophets declare what will happen in specific places, and the subsequent desolation of such places validates the divine origin and authority of the prophecy.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**: The inclusion of Chôrônayim in these oracles affirms God's absolute sovereignty, not only over His covenant people Israel but over all nations, even those seemingly outside His direct covenantal dealings. Moab, often depicted as an enemy or rival of Israel, falls under the scope of God's universal justice.
4. **Symbolism of Despair**: While "double cave-town" is primarily a geographical descriptor, one might infer a subtle symbolism. A cave can be a place of refuge or concealment. The judgment reaching even a "double cave-town" could imply that no hiding place, no matter how secure or deep, can ultimately escape the reach of divine justice. The cries from Horonaim thus become a poignant symbol of utter despair and inescapable ruin.
### Summary
Chôrônayim (`{{H2773}}`), meaning "double cave-town," is a significant place name in Moab, appearing exclusively in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Its biblical occurrences consistently link it to the comprehensive divine judgment against Moab, serving as a specific geographical marker from which cries of destruction ascend or which delineates the extent of the desolation. Theologically, Chôrônayim underscores the specificity and veracity of God's judgment, affirming His sovereignty over all nations. Its mention helps to concretize the prophetic warnings, demonstrating that no place, however geographically distinct or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's sovereign word.
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