Hoham is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. He was the king of Hebron, one of the five Amorite kings who formed a coalition to wage war against Gibeon after the Gibeonites made a peace treaty with Joshua and the Israelites. This alliance is detailed in Joshua 10, where Hoham's role is briefly but significantly noted.

Biblical Account:

In Joshua 10:3, the text states: "So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 'Come up and help me. Let us attack Gibeon, because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.'" This verse highlights Hoham's involvement in the confederation of kings who sought to punish Gibeon for aligning with Israel.

The narrative continues with the miraculous intervention of God on behalf of Israel. Joshua 10:10-11 describes how the Lord threw the Amorite armies into confusion before Israel, and as they fled, God sent large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword. This divine intervention underscores the futility of Hoham's resistance against God's chosen people.

Defeat and Death:

Hoham's fate, along with the other Amorite kings, is sealed in Joshua 10:16-27. After their armies were defeated, the five kings hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua commanded that large stones be rolled against the mouth of the cave and guards be posted. Later, Joshua ordered the kings to be brought out, and they were executed. Joshua 10:26-27 records: "After this, Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until evening. At sunset Joshua commanded that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave where they had hidden. Then they placed large stones over the mouth of the cave, which remain to this very day."

Historical and Theological Significance:

Hoham's account is a testament to the broader narrative of the conquest of Canaan, where the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, systematically defeated the Canaanite kings and took possession of the land promised to them by God. The account of Hoham and the other Amorite kings serves as a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to Israel, fulfilling His promises despite formidable opposition.

From a theological perspective, Hoham's defeat illustrates the theme of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over the nations. The coalition of kings, despite their combined strength, could not withstand the will of God, who fought for Israel. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that those who oppose God's purposes ultimately face defeat.

Cultural Context:

Hebron, the city over which Hoham ruled, holds significant historical and religious importance. It is one of the oldest cities in the region and is associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The defeat of its king, Hoham, symbolizes the transition of the land from Canaanite to Israelite control, a key element in the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

In summary, Hoham, as king of Hebron, represents the resistance of the Canaanite kings against the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan. His account is a vivid illustration of the biblical themes of divine intervention, judgment, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Joshua 10:3
Why Adonizedec king of Jerusalem, sent to Hoham king of Hebron, and to Piram king of Jarmuth, and to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

1944. Hoham -- an Amorite king of Hebron
... 1943, 1944. Hoham. 1945 . an Amorite king of Hebron. Transliteration:
Hoham Phonetic Spelling: (ho-hawm') Short Definition: Hoham. ...
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