### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rammîy**, represented by `{{H7421}}`, is a term for a **Ramite, i.e. Aramaean; Syrian**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its context highly specific and tied to a single historical event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H7421}}` is used to identify the combatants in a military conflict. The narrative in [[2 Chronicles 22:5]] describes how King Jehoram of Israel, following the **counsel** of the house of Ahab, went to **war** against Hazael, king of Syria. In this encounter at Ramothgilead, it was the **Syrians** who **smote** King Joram, highlighting the word's direct application to the people of Syria in a wartime setting.
### Related Words & Concepts
The single verse where `{{H7421}}` appears is rich with related words that define its context:
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk): This root word establishes the action that initiates the event, as Jehoram "walked" after the counsel that led him into battle with the Syrians [[2 Chronicles 22:5]].
* `{{H3212}}` **yâlak** (to walk): Similar to `{{H1980}}`, this word is used to describe how Jehoram "went" to war, setting the scene for the encounter [[2 Chronicles 22:5]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (war): This term frames the entire context as a military engagement, defining the reason for the interaction between Israel and the **Syrians** [[2 Chronicles 22:5]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This describes the specific, decisive action taken by the **Syrians** in the conflict, as they "smote" the king of Israel [[2 Chronicles 22:5]].
* `{{H6098}}` **ʻêtsâh** (counsel): This word reveals the motivation behind the king's actions, noting that he went to war after following specific "counsel" [[2 Chronicles 22:5]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7421}}` itself is a simple identifier, its singular context connects to significant biblical themes through its associated words.
* **Consequences of Counsel:** The appearance of `{{H7421}}` is a direct result of a king following **counsel** `{{H6098}}`. The broader scriptural context warns against walking in the counsel of the ungodly [[Psalms 1:1]] and affirms that only the **counsel** of the LORD will ultimately stand [[Proverbs 19:21]].
* **Sovereignty in Battle:** The **Syrians** are agents in a **war** `{{H4421}}`. Scripture repeatedly teaches that the **battle** is the LORD's [[2 Chronicles 20:15]] and that its outcome is not determined by human strength alone [[Ecclesiastes 9:11]], providing a framework for understanding such conflicts.
* **Instruments of Action:** The Syrians **smote** `{{H5221}}` the king of Israel. The act of smiting is used throughout the Bible to describe both human aggression and divine action. God is depicted as the one who can **smite** the earth [[Malachi 4:6]] or even his own shepherd [[Zechariah 13:7]], suggesting human actors in conflict can function within a larger divine plan.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7421}}` is a highly specific term for a **Syrian**, used only once to identify the antagonists in a historical battle. While the word itself carries no deep theological weight, its sole appearance in [[2 Chronicles 22:5]] places it within a narrative rich with related concepts like **counsel**, **war**, and divine action. Its significance is therefore drawn entirely from its role in this specific biblical event, illustrating how even a rare word contributes to the larger scriptural story of kings, kingdoms, and conflict.
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