from the same as אַרְמוֹן; the highland; Aram or Syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and of an Israelite; Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂrâm** `{{H758}}` refers to **the highland** and is primarily used to denote the nation of **Syria** and its people, the Syrians. It appears **132 times** across **117 unique verses** in the Bible. Beyond its geographical significance, `{{H758}}` is also used as a personal name, most notably for one of the sons of Shem [[Genesis 10:22]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H758}}` appears in several key contexts. It establishes a distinct national and ethnic identity, frequently in opposition to Israel. The kings of **Syria**, such as Ben-hadad and Hazael, are central figures in Israel's history, often engaging in warfare against them [[1 Kings 20:1]]. The LORD used **Syria** to oppress Israel as a form of judgment when they did evil ([[Judges 10:6]], [[2 Kings 13:4]]). The term also appears in genealogies, tracing lineage back to Noah through his son Shem, whose sons included **Aram** [[Genesis 10:22]]. Furthermore, **Syria** is the subject of divine prophecy, with prophets like Amos foretelling its captivity [[Amos 1:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide further context for `{{H758}}`:
* `{{H763}}` **ʼĂram Nahărayim** (Aham-naharaim, Mesopotamia): This term, meaning "Aram of (the) two rivers," specifies the region of Mesopotamia, from which chariots and horsemen were hired to fight against David [[1 Chronicles 19:6]].
* `{{H1834}}` **Dammeseq** (Damascus): As the capital city, Damascus is identified as the "head of **Syria**" [[Isaiah 7:8]] and was the seat of power for its kings, such as Rezin and Ben-hadad [[1 Kings 15:18]].
* `{{H1130}}` **Ben-Hădad** (Benhadad): The name of several Syrian kings who led armies against Israel, besieging cities like Samaria [[1 Kings 20:1]] and acting as instruments of God's anger [[2 Kings 13:3]].
* `{{H2371}}` **Chăzâʼêl** (Hazael): A king of **Syria** anointed at God's command [[1 Kings 19:15]] who became a formidable oppressor of Israel [[2 Kings 13:3]].
* `{{H7526}}` **Rᵉtsîyn** (Rezin): A king of **Syria** who, along with Pekah of Israel, waged war against Judah during the reign of Ahaz [[Isaiah 7:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H758}}` carries significant weight, illustrating God's sovereignty over all nations.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** God frequently used **Syria** to execute judgment upon a disobedient Israel. He delivered Israel into the hand of Hazael, king of **Syria** [[2 Kings 13:3]], and the Syrian army was able to defeat a much larger host from Judah because they had "forsaken the LORD God of their fathers" [[2 Chronicles 24:24]].
* **Object of God's Sovereign Power:** Despite their military might, the Syrians were subject to the LORD's control. God could grant **Syria** deliverance [[2 Kings 5:1]], but He could also cause their armies to flee in terror from a phantom noise [[2 Kings 7:6]] and bring about their defeat [[2 Samuel 10:19]].
* **Subject of Prophetic Fulfillment:** The fate of **Syria** was a frequent subject of prophetic oracles. Elisha prophesied both victory over and defeat by the Syrians ([[2 Kings 13:17]], 19), and Amos declared that the people of **Syria** would go into captivity, a word which the LORD would bring to pass [[Amos 1:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H758}}` is far more than a geographical label. As **Aram** or **Syria**, it represents a major political and military power in the Old Testament narrative, often positioned as an adversary to Israel. Through its interactions with Israel, the story of **Syria** serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating His use of foreign nations for judgment and His ultimate power over their destinies.
TRV