Hemam is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. He is identified as one of the sons of Lotan, who was a chief among the Horites. The Horites were the original inhabitants of the land of Seir, which later became known as Edom, the territory associated with Esau and his descendants.

Biblical References:

Hemam is specifically mentioned in the genealogical records found in the Old Testament. In 1 Chronicles 1:38-39 , the text states: "The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. The sons of Lotan: Hori and Hemam. Timna was Lotan’s sister."

In Genesis 36:20-22 , the genealogy is similarly recorded: "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. The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Timna was Lotan’s sister."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Horites, to whom Hemam belonged, were a group of people who lived in the mountainous region of Seir before the Edomites. The name "Horite" is often associated with cave dwellers, as the Hebrew word "Hor" can mean "cave." The Horites were eventually assimilated into the Edomite culture as Esau's descendants intermarried with them and took over their land.

Hemam's mention in the genealogies highlights the interconnectedness of the various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East. The genealogical records serve not only as a historical account but also as a means of establishing the lineage and territorial claims of the Edomites.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Hemam and other Horites in the biblical genealogies underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5), and the genealogies reflect the diverse peoples that emerged from his lineage, including the Edomites through Esau.

The genealogies also serve to demonstrate God's sovereignty over history and His ability to work through various peoples and nations to accomplish His purposes. While Hemam himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records contributes to the broader tapestry of God's redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture.Genesis 36:22
And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and Lotan's sister was Timna.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxxvi
... And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and the sister ... who was the father
of Oholibamah, was a son of Seir. ... So to seek to connect "Lotan" (v.20) with Lot ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

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