Horona'im is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the prophetic literature concerning the nation of Moab. The name Horona'im is believed to mean "two caverns" or "two hollows," suggesting a geographical feature that may have been significant in its identification.

Biblical References:

Horona'im is referenced in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, both of which pronounce judgments against Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel.

1. Isaiah 15:5 : "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. For at the Ascent of Luhith they go up weeping; surely on the road to Horona'im they raise a cry of destruction."

In this passage, Isaiah describes the lament and distress of Moab as its people flee from impending judgment. Horona'im is depicted as a place along the route of escape, emphasizing the widespread nature of Moab's calamity.

2. Jeremiah 48:3-5 : "A voice cries out from Horona'im: 'Devastation and great destruction!' Moab will be shattered; her little ones will cry out. For on the Ascent to Luhith they will ascend with weeping; surely on the descent to Horona'im they will hear cries of destruction."

Jeremiah echoes the themes found in Isaiah, portraying Horona'im as a site of significant distress and destruction. The mention of cries and weeping underscores the severity of the judgment pronounced upon Moab.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Horona'im is traditionally associated with the region of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea. The exact location of Horona'im remains uncertain, but it is generally thought to be situated in the southern part of Moab. The references to ascents and descents in the biblical texts suggest that Horona'im was located in a hilly or mountainous area, consistent with the topography of Moab.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Horona'im in the prophetic literature serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine judgment against Moab. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah both highlight the inevitability of God's justice, using Horona'im as a symbol of the broader devastation that would befall Moab due to its pride and idolatry. The cries from Horona'im reflect the broader theme of repentance and the consequences of turning away from the Lord.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:

In the biblical narrative, Horona'im is part of the larger motif of lamentation and mourning that characterizes the oracles against the nations. The vivid imagery of weeping and cries of destruction serves to convey the emotional and physical toll of divine judgment. This portrayal would have resonated with the original audience, emphasizing the seriousness of the prophetic message.

Overall, Horona'im stands as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the certainty of God's righteous judgment, as well as the hope for redemption through repentance and faithfulness to the covenant with God.Horona'im (5 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 13:34
But Absalom went in flight. And the young man who kept the watch, lifting up his eyes, saw that a great band of people was coming down the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman came and gave word to the king, saying, I saw men coming down by the way of the Horons, from the hillside.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 15:5
My heart crieth out for Moab; her fugitives reach unto Zoar, a heifer of three years old; for by the ascent of Luhith with weeping they go up; for in the way of Horonaim they raise up a cry of destruction.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 48:3
A voice of a cry 'is' from Horonaim, Spoiling and great destruction.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 48:5
For the ascent of Luhith with weeping, Go up doth weeping, For in the descent of Horonaim Adversaries a cry of desolation have heard.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 48:34
Because of the cry of Heshbon unto Elealeh, Unto Jahaz they have given their voice, From Zoar unto Horonaim, A heifer of the third 'year', For even waters of Nimrim become desolations.
(See RSV)

Horona'im (5 Occurrences)
Horona'im. Horonaim, Horona'im. Horonite . Multi-Version Concordance
Horona'im (5 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom went in flight. ...
/h/horona'im.htm - 7k

Horonaim (5 Occurrences)

/h/horonaim.htm - 9k

Horonite (3 Occurrences)

/h/horonite.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus