The Hebrew word Pirʼâm, represented by H6502, means wildly and is the name of a Canaanite. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in scripture, identifying a specific individual in the Old Testament narrative. Its usage is confined to naming one of the kings who formed a coalition in the book of Joshua.
In the biblical narrative, Piram H6502 is identified as the king H4428 of Jarmuth H3412. His only appearance is in Joshua 10:3, where he is summoned by Adonizedek H139, the king H4428 of Jerusalem H3389. Piram joined a military alliance with four other Amorite kings: Hoham of Hebron, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. This coalition was formed to make war against the inhabitants of Gibeon Joshua 10:5.
Several related words provide context for Piram's role and the situation he was in:
- H3412 Jarmûwth (elevation): This is the name of the place in Palestine that Piram ruled as king Joshua 10:3. It is mentioned as one of the cities of the five Amorite kings who gathered for war Joshua 10:5.
- H139 ʼĂdônîy-Tsedeq (lord of justice): As king of Jerusalem, he was the one who sent H7971 for Piram and the other kings to form an alliance after hearing of Joshua's victories and Gibeon's peace with Israel (Joshua 10:1, Joshua 10:3).
- H4428 melek (a king): This title defines Piram's role and connects him to the other rulers who united against Israel's allies Joshua 10:3.
- H7971 shâlach (to send away, for, or out): This verb describes the action taken by Adonizedek to assemble the coalition, explicitly including Piram, the king of Jarmuth Joshua 10:3.
The theological significance of H6502 is understood through its context within the coalition of kings.
- Figure of Opposition: Piram represents one of the Canaanite leaders who stood against Israel's conquest of the land. His identity is defined by his participation in the military alliance that opposed Israel's allies (Joshua 10:3, Joshua 10:5).
- Confederation against God's People: The narrative places Piram within a confederation of five Amorite kings. This alliance was a direct reaction to the progress of Joshua and the Israelites, specifically after Gibeon had made peace with them (Joshua 10:1, Joshua 10:5).
- Subject to Judgment: As one of the five kings who fought against Gibeon, Piram's story is part of the record of those who faced defeat. The dossier notes that these five kings were later brought forth from a cave where they were hiding Joshua 10:23.
In summary, H6502 identifies a specific historical figure, Piram, the Canaanite king of Jarmuth. His sole mention in the Bible places him as a member of a military alliance that opposed Joshua's campaign Joshua 10:3. His significance is tied entirely to this single event, where he serves as an example of the regional rulers who resisted Israel during the conquest of Canaan.
TRV