from רוּם; height; Rumah, a place in Palestine; Rumah.
Transliteration:Rûwmâh
Pronunciation:roo-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma `{{H7316}}`, רוּמָה (Rûwmâh), is a proper noun, specifically a toponym, derived from the Hebrew root `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rûm*), which fundamentally means "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lifted up." Therefore, the inherent meaning of Rûwmâh is "height" or "exalted place," suggesting a geographical location characterized by its elevation or prominence in the landscape. As a proper noun designating a specific place, its semantic range is limited to this geographical descriptor and does not extend to broader conceptual meanings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7316}}` (Rûwmâh) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in the book of 2 Kings:
* [[2 Kings 23:36]]: "And Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rûwmâh."
In this singular occurrence, Rûwmâh is identified as the place of origin for Zebudah, the mother of King Jehoiakim of Judah. This verse is part of the standard regnal formula used throughout the Books of Kings, which typically includes the king's age at accession, length of reign, and the name and hometown of his mother. The inclusion of Rûwmâh here underscores the meticulous genealogical and geographical detail preserved in the biblical record. While its precise geographical location remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally understood to be situated in ancient Israel, possibly in the northern kingdom or a region connected to it. Some scholars have proposed a connection to Arumah ([[Judges 9:41]]) or suggested locations in Galilee or the Jezreel Valley, but definitive identification is lacking. Its importance in this context is purely as a place marker, providing specific lineage information for a queen mother in the Davidic line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H7316}}` is its verbal root, `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rûm*), which carries significant theological and conceptual weight throughout the Hebrew Bible. This root conveys a range of meanings related to elevation:
* **Physical elevation:** Referring to high mountains, lifted hands in prayer, or objects raised up.
* **Exaltation and honor:** Frequently used to describe the exaltation of God (e.g., "exalted be the Lord") or the lifting up of human leaders.
* **Pride or haughtiness:** In a negative sense, describing those who are "lifted up" in pride or arrogance.
* **Offering/Contribution:** The noun `{{H8641}}` (תְּרוּמָה, *tᵉrûmāh*), "heave offering" or "contribution," is also derived from this root, referring to something "lifted up" or set apart for sacred use.
Other related nouns include `{{H7315}}` (רוֹמָה, *rômāh*), a common noun meaning "height" or "high place," and `{{H7313}}` (רוֹמֵמוּת, *rômēmût*), meaning "exaltation" or "praise." While Rûwmâh (the proper noun) shares the etymological meaning of "height" with these words, its function as a specific place name distinguishes it from the broader conceptual or theological applications of its root and other derivatives. Nevertheless, the very naming of a place as "height" reflects a common practice in the ancient Near East to name locations based on prominent geographical features, connecting it tangibly to the pervasive concept of elevation.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun identifying a specific geographical location, Rûwmâh does not carry direct theological significance in the way a theological concept or a divine attribute would. Its importance is primarily historical and geographical, serving as a data point in the biblical narrative. However, its inclusion in the inspired text, even in a seemingly minor detail, implicitly points to broader theological truths:
* **Divine Meticulousness and Providence:** The precise recording of the hometown of a queen mother, even a seemingly obscure one like Rûwmâh, underscores the meticulous detail of God's inspired Word. It reflects a divine providence that extends to every individual and every location, weaving their lives and origins into the larger tapestry of salvation history. God's plan is comprehensive, encompassing even the "small" details of human lives and geographies.
* **The Reality of God's Engagement with Humanity:** The Bible's grounding in real places and real people, including those from towns like Rûwmâh, affirms the historical and tangible nature of God's interaction with humanity. The narrative is not abstract but deeply embedded in the lived experiences of individuals and communities within a specific geographical and historical context.
* **The Importance of Lineage in God's Plan:** The consistent biblical emphasis on genealogies and the origins of key figures, like the mothers of kings, highlights the significance of lineage in the unfolding of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the Davidic dynasty. While Rûwmâh itself is not prophesied, its mention contributes to the verifiable historical framework through which God's promises were fulfilled.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7316}}`, רוּמָה (Rûwmâh), is a proper noun meaning "height" or "exalted place," derived from the root `{{H7311}}` (רוּם). It appears uniquely in [[2 Kings 23:36]], identifying it as the hometown of Zebudah, the mother of King Jehoiakim. While its exact geographical location remains uncertain, it signifies a place of elevation in ancient Israel. Though Rûwmâh itself holds no direct theological doctrine, its singular mention in the biblical record subtly reinforces the divine meticulousness in preserving historical details, the tangible reality of God's engagement with humanity in specific places and times, and the importance of lineage within the grand narrative of God's providential plan for His people. It stands as a silent testament to the comprehensive and historically grounded nature of the inspired Scriptures.
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