Topical Bible: Horites or Horim

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Horites, also known as Horim, are an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of the early history of the region of Seir, which later became known as Edom. The Horites are first introduced in the genealogical records of Genesis, where they are described as the original inhabitants of the land of Seir before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites, took possession of the territory.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 14:6 · The Horites are mentioned in the context of the campaign of Chedorlaomer and his allies, who defeated various peoples in the region, including the Horites in their hill country of Seir. "And the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the desert."

2. Genesis 36:20-30 · This passage provides a genealogical account of the Horites, listing their chiefs and clans. The text identifies Seir the Horite as a progenitor of the Horites and details the lineage of his descendants. "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom."

3. Deuteronomy 2:12 · The Bible notes the displacement of the Horites by the descendants of Esau, who settled in their place. "The Horites had previously lived in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out, destroying them and settling in their place, just as Israel did in the land the LORD gave them as their possession."

4. Deuteronomy 2:22 · This verse reiterates the displacement of the Horites by the Edomites, drawing a parallel with the Israelites' conquest of their own promised land. "This was just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Horites are often associated with the Hurrians, a people known from ancient Near Eastern texts, although the exact relationship between the two groups remains a subject of scholarly debate. The Horites are depicted as cave dwellers, which is reflected in the etymology of their name, as "Horite" is derived from a root meaning "cave" or "hole." This characteristic is consistent with the geographical features of the region of Seir, which is mountainous and contains numerous caves.

The Horites' presence in Seir predates the Edomite settlement, and their culture and society were eventually absorbed or displaced by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. The biblical narrative emphasizes the divine orchestration of territorial changes, portraying the displacement of the Horites as part of God's providential plan for the descendants of Esau, paralleling the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of the Horites serves to illustrate the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty over nations and territories. The displacement of the Horites by the Edomites is presented as part of God's unfolding plan for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The narrative underscores the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of the Edomites in their allotted inheritance, as ordained by God.

The account of the Horites also highlights the transient nature of human settlements and the shifting dynamics of power and possession in the ancient world. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations and the fulfillment of His purposes throughout history.

ATS Bible Dictionary

Horites or Horim

A race of early dwellers in mount Seir, whence they were expelled by the Edomites, Genesis 14:6 De 2:12,22. They are supposed to have lived in caves, like the men referred to in Job 30:6, and to have been divided into several tribes, Genesis 36:20-30.