Lexical Summary rammi: Exalted, High Original Word: רַמִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Syrian For 'Arammiy; a Ramite, i.e. Aramaean -- Syrian. see HEBREW 'Arammiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originscribal error for Arammi, q.v. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaningרַמִּי (Rammi) appears once in the Hebrew canon at 2 Chronicles 22:5. The form is a masculine proper name drawn from the verbal root רוּם, “to be high, exalted,” conveying the idea of loftiness. Thus Rammi may be rendered “Exalted One” or “He is exalted.” Historical Setting 2 Chronicles 22 situates Rammi within the turbulent closing decades of the ninth century B.C. in Judah and Israel. King Ahaziah of Judah, heavily influenced by Athaliah and the apostate house of Ahab, aligns himself with the northern king Joram (also called Jehoram) of Israel. The two monarchs engage Hazael of Aram at Ramoth-gilead. It is here that Rammi is briefly mentioned as one of the counselors whose guidance leads Ahaziah into an ill-fated military venture. Although the Chronicler records only this single reference, the name’s inclusion signals personal involvement in royal policy at the highest level—policy that Scripture judges to be wicked and destructive (2 Chronicles 22:3–4). Theological Themes 1. Influence of Ungodly Counsel Rammi’s lone appearance underscores the danger of ungodly influence. Ahaziah “also followed their counsel” (2 Chronicles 22:5), a plural reference that implicitly includes Rammi. The king’s willingness to heed advisors who ignored covenantal directives led to national calamity. Proverbs repeatedly warns that “the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20), and Rammi serves as a historical example of how corrupt counsel accelerates spiritual and political decline. 2. Divine Providence and Judgment The Chronicler’s brief notice of Rammi contributes to the larger narrative that God sovereignly directs history. By following advisors such as Rammi, Ahaziah fulfills prophetic judgment pronounced against the house of Ahab (1 Kings 21:21–24; 2 Kings 9:7). Thus Rammi’s role, though minor, is woven into the outworking of divine justice—a reminder that every participant in history, no matter how obscure, functions within God’s overarching plan. 3. The Peril of Syncretism Ahaziah’s partnership with Israel’s idolatrous monarchy illustrates the broader theme of covenantal compromise. Rammi’s presence among the counselors highlights how infiltration of northern apostasy penetrated even the Davidic court. The Chronicler’s concern is not merely political but spiritual; Judah’s flirtation with Israel’s practices eroded fidelity to Yahweh. Modern ministry must likewise guard against subtle assimilations that dilute biblical faithfulness. Practical Ministry Insights • Discernment in Leadership: Even a single counselor like Rammi can sway leadership. Churches and Christian organizations should vet advisors by scriptural standards rather than cultural prestige. • Accountability Structures: The narrative shows what happens when monarchs (or modern leaders) insulate themselves with agreeable voices. Plurality of godly leadership and transparent accountability help prevent similar decline. • Historical Remembrance: Though Rammi is only a footnote, his mention is preserved by the Spirit for instruction (Romans 15:4). Small acts of counsel, decisions, or alliances can have generational consequences; therefore every believer’s influence matters. Related Biblical Parallels • Ahithophel with Absalom (2 Samuel 17:1–23): ungodly counsel that nearly toppled the kingdom. Conclusion Rammi’s brief appearance reminds readers that names scarcely known to history still serve God’s revelatory purposes. His role in steering Ahaziah toward ruin illustrates the enduring biblical principle that leadership—and those who influence it—must submit to the authority of God’s Word lest they lead themselves and others into judgment. Forms and Transliterations הָֽרַמִּ֖ים הרמים hā·ram·mîm haramMim hārammîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 22:5 HEB: גִּלְעָ֑ד וַיַּכּ֥וּ הָֽרַמִּ֖ים אֶת־ יוֹרָֽם׃ KJV: at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote INT: Gilead wounded and the Syrians Joram 1 Occurrence |
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