the same as רַעְמָה; Ramah, the name of a grandson of Ham, and of a place (perhaps founded by him); Raamah.
Transliteration:Raʻmâh
Pronunciation:rah-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7484 (רַעְמָה, *Raʻmâh*) functions as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating both a personal name and a geographical location. Its base definition indicates it refers to "Raamah," a grandson of Ham, and a place potentially founded by him. While H7484 itself is a proper noun without an inherent active verbal meaning, its etymological root is widely understood to be connected to רעם (ra'am), meaning "to thunder," "to roar," or "to tremble" (cf. `{{H7481}}`). Thus, the name Raamah may carry connotations of power, sound, or awe-inspiring presence, reflecting a common ancient practice of naming individuals or places with descriptive or aspirational meanings. The semantic range of H7484 is strictly limited to these specific biblical entities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7484 appears in three distinct passages within the Hebrew Bible, each providing crucial contextual insights into its significance:
1. **Genealogical Context:** In [[Genesis 10:7]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:9]], Raamah is identified as a son of Cush and a grandson of Ham. This places him within the "Table of Nations," a foundational genealogical record detailing the post-Flood dispersion of humanity. As a descendant of Cush, Raamah is associated with a lineage that includes Nimrod, Sheba, and Dedan. His inclusion here underscores his role as a progenitor or namesake of a significant people group or region, contributing to the biblical understanding of global demographics and ethnic origins.
2. **Commercial Context:** [[Ezekiel 27:22]] presents Raamah in a different light, listing it as a trading partner with Tyre, a prominent maritime city. The verse states, "The merchants of Sheba and Raamah were your merchants; they traded for your wares the best of all kinds of spices, and all precious stones, and gold." This passage indicates that Raamah, as a geographical entity, was a known source of valuable commodities, particularly spices, precious stones, and gold. This suggests a location of considerable wealth and commercial activity, likely situated in the Arabian Peninsula, given its association with Sheba and Dedan, who are also known for such goods and are geographically linked to the region. This economic mention highlights the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern civilizations and the strategic importance of trade routes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H7484 naturally connects to several related linguistic and conceptual fields:
* **Etymological Root:** As noted, the most significant linguistic connection is to the root רעם (ra'am), which signifies "thunder" or "roaring" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 2:10]], [[Job 37:4]]). While H7484 is a proper noun, the underlying meaning of its root suggests a potential character or environmental attribute associated with the person or place. Other related Strong's numbers include `{{H7481}}` (thunder, to thunder), `{{H7482}}` (a place name, Raamah), and `{{H7483}}` (a personal name, Raamah). The close phonetic and orthographic relationship suggests a shared linguistic origin.
* **Geographical and Ethnic Neighbors:** Raamah is consistently linked with other Cushite descendants and Arabian regions. Its association with Sheba and Dedan (e.g., [[Genesis 10:7]], [[Ezekiel 27:22]]) firmly places it within a network of peoples and places traditionally located in the southern Arabian Peninsula. This highlights the intricate web of relationships described in the biblical genealogies and trade networks.
* **Biblical Genealogies:** Raamah's place in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) connects it to the broader biblical understanding of human origins, the spread of peoples, and the divine ordering of nations.
### Theological Significance
While H7484 refers to a specific person and place, its presence in the biblical narrative carries several theological implications:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The inclusion of Raamah in the Table of Nations underscores God's meticulous knowledge and sovereign ordering of all peoples and their geographical distribution. Every nation, even those seemingly peripheral to the main narrative of Israel, is accounted for in God's grand design.
2. **Historical Veracity of Scripture:** The detailed genealogical and commercial references, particularly in Ezekiel, lend credibility to the Bible's historical and geographical grounding. They demonstrate that the biblical authors were familiar with the broader geopolitical and economic realities of their time, indicating a rootedness in actual historical circumstances.
3. **Universal Scope of God's Creation and Providence:** The mention of a distant trading partner like Raamah in Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre illustrates the interconnectedness of the ancient world. This can be seen as a reflection of God's universal providence, where diverse peoples and regions contribute to the global tapestry of human civilization, even in their commercial endeavors.
4. **The Significance of Every Detail:** Even seemingly minor figures or places within the biblical text are not arbitrary. Their inclusion speaks to the divine inspiration and comprehensive nature of Scripture, where every name and location contributes to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and His relationship with all humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7484 (רַעְמָה, *Raʻmâh*) functions as a proper noun denoting both a grandson of Ham and a significant geographical location. Genealogically, Raamah is a son of Cush, listed in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10:7]], [[1 Chronicles 1:9]]), signifying a distinct people group or region. Economically, Raamah is identified as a source of valuable commodities like spices, precious stones, and gold, engaged in trade with Tyre ([[Ezekiel 27:22]]), likely situated in the Arabian Peninsula. While a proper noun, its etymological root is connected to `{{H7481}}` (thunder, roar), suggesting a name imbued with connotations of power or sound. Theologically, Raamah's presence highlights God's sovereign ordering of nations, the historical veracity of Scripture, and the universal scope of divine providence over all creation and human endeavors.
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