### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yarmûwth**, represented by `{{H3412}}`, is a proper name meaning **elevation**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible and is used to identify two places in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3412}}` is primarily featured during the conquest of Canaan. It is first introduced as the city ruled by **Piram** `{{H6502}}`, one of the **five** `{{H2568}}` **Amorite** `{{H567}}` kings who formed an alliance to **make war** `{{H3898}}` against Gibeon [[Joshua 10:5]]. After Joshua defeated this coalition, the king of **Jarmuth** was captured from a **cave** `{{H4631}}` and executed [[Joshua 10:23]]. The city is later recorded in a list of defeated kingdoms [[Joshua 12:11]]. Subsequently, **Jarmuth** was allotted as a city to the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:35]], designated as a Levitical city [[Joshua 21:29]], and later reinhabited after the exile [[Nehemiah 11:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding Jarmuth:
* `{{H6502}}` **Pirʼâm** (wildly; Piram, a Canaanite): The king of Jarmuth who joined the military coalition against Gibeon [[Joshua 10:3]].
* `{{H567}}` **ʼĔmôrîy** (a mountaineer; an Emorite): The collective identity of the five kings, including the king of Jarmuth, who allied against Israel's treaty with Gibeon [[Joshua 10:5]].
* `{{H1391}}` **Gibʻôwn** (hilly; Gibon, a place in Palestine): The city that the five kings, including the one from Jarmuth, gathered their **hosts** `{{H4264}}` to attack [[Joshua 10:5]].
* `{{H3923}}` **Lâkîysh** (Lakish, a place in Palestine): The seat of another king in the alliance, frequently mentioned alongside Jarmuth in the record of the conflict ([[Joshua 10:3]], [[Joshua 12:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H3412}}` is tied to the progression of Israel's settlement in the promised land.
* **Canaanite Resistance:** Jarmuth represents the organized opposition Israel faced. Its king joined a powerful coalition initiated by **ʼĂdônîy-Tsedeq** `{{H139}}`, the king of **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}`, demonstrating a significant military response to Israel's presence [[Joshua 10:3]].
* **Divine Conquest:** The defeat of the king of Jarmuth is a key event in the southern campaign. His capture and execution alongside the other kings serves as a powerful symbol of the complete victory orchestrated by God [[Joshua 10:23]].
* **Israelite Inheritance:** Following its conquest, Jarmuth is transformed from an enemy stronghold into part of Israel's inheritance. Its allotment to Judah [[Joshua 15:35]] and its designation as a Levitical city with **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` mark its full integration into Israel's tribal and religious life [[Joshua 21:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3412}}` is more than a geographical marker; it charts a path from enemy territory to consecrated land. As **Jarmuth**, it stands as a testament to the Canaanite resistance during the conquest, the definitive nature of Israel's victory under Joshua, and the subsequent re-purposing of the land as part of the divine inheritance for the tribes of Israel.
TRV