### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂchîynôʻam**, represented by `{{H293}}`, means **brother of pleasantness**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is used to identify two distinct Israelitesses who were connected to the royal lineage of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H293}}` first appears as the name of King Saul's wife, who was the daughter of Ahimaaz [[1 Samuel 14:50]]. The more prominent individual with this name is Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, one of the first wives of David [[1 Samuel 25:43]]. She was with David during his time as a fugitive in Gath [[1 Samuel 27:3]] and was taken captive at Ziklag before being rescued by him [[1 Samuel 30:5]]. Most significantly, she gave birth to David's firstborn son, Amnon, in Hebron ([[2 Samuel 3:2]], [[1 Chronicles 3:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key figures are directly associated with one of the two women named Ahinoam:
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (asked): The first king of Israel and the husband of Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz [[1 Samuel 14:50]].
* `{{H290}}` **ʼĂchîymaʻats** (brother of anger): The father of King Saul's wife, Ahinoam [[1 Samuel 14:50]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (loving): He took Ahinoam the Jezreelitess as one of his first wives [[1 Samuel 25:43]] and she was consistently with him during his rise to power [[2 Samuel 2:2]].
* `{{H550}}` **ʼAmnôwn** (faithful): The firstborn son of David, born to him by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess in Hebron [[2 Samuel 3:2]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H293}}` highlights several important themes in the narrative of Israel's monarchy.
* **Royal Succession:** The name is tied to two royal houses. One Ahinoam is the `wife` `{{H802}}` of Israel's first king, `Saul` `{{H7586}}` [[1 Samuel 14:50]]. The other is the mother of the `firstborn` `{{H1060}}` `son` `{{H1121}}` of his successor, `David` `{{H1732}}`, placing her at the beginning of the Davidic dynasty [[1 Chronicles 3:1]].
* **Loyalty in Adversity:** Ahinoam the Jezreelitess is a constant presence alongside David during his most difficult years. She is listed as one of his `two` `{{H8147}}` wives who dwelled with him among the Philistines and who were taken captive, underscoring the dangers faced by David's entire household ([[1 Samuel 27:3]], [[1 Samuel 30:5]]).
* **Founding of the Hebron Kingdom:** She is one of the two wives who accompanied David when he went up to Hebron, where his reign began [[2 Samuel 2:2]]. Her role as mother to his first son `born` `{{H3205}}` there solidifies her foundational position in David's family and kingdom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H293}}` is the `name` `{{H8034}}` given to two women in positions of royal significance. While one is noted as the wife of Saul, the other, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, is a key figure in the early life of King David. She is not merely a name in a genealogy but a companion in his struggles and the mother of his firstborn son, linking her directly to the continuity of power and the establishment of the Davidic line.
TRV