Topical Encyclopedia Hormah, a city of ancient Canaan, holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. The name "Hormah" is derived from the Hebrew word "ḥērem," meaning "devotion" or "destruction," reflecting its fate as a city devoted to destruction by the Israelites. Hormah is mentioned in several key biblical passages, primarily in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the subsequent conquest of Canaan.Biblical References and Historical Context Hormah first appears in the biblical account of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. In Numbers 14:45, following the Israelites' rebellion and refusal to enter the Promised Land, the Amalekites and Canaanites defeated them at Hormah: "Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that part of the hill country came down and attacked them, and beat them down all the way to Hormah" . This initial defeat underscored the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith among the Israelites. Later, in Numbers 21:1-3, the Israelites, under divine guidance, achieved victory over the Canaanite king of Arad, who had attacked them and taken some captives. In response to their plea for deliverance, the LORD granted them victory, and they devoted the cities to destruction, renaming the place Hormah: "So Israel made this vow to the LORD: 'If You will indeed deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.' And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah" . Conquest by Judah and Simeon The definitive capture of Hormah is recorded in the Book of Judges, during the period of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Judges 1:17 recounts the joint military campaign by the tribes of Judah and Simeon: "Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and completely destroyed the city. So it was called Hormah" . This collaboration between the two tribes highlights the unity and shared purpose among the Israelites in fulfilling God's command to possess the land. Theological Significance Hormah serves as a testament to the themes of judgment, obedience, and divine intervention. The city's history reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the subsequent restoration and victory through faithfulness to God's commands. The repeated mention of Hormah in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of reliance on divine guidance and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Geographical and Archaeological Considerations The exact location of ancient Hormah remains a subject of scholarly debate, with several proposed sites in the Negev region of modern-day Israel. Archaeological evidence has yet to definitively identify Hormah, but its strategic location in the southern part of Canaan made it a significant site during the Israelite conquest. Hormah's legacy in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey from disobedience to victory, illustrating the broader themes of faith, judgment, and redemption that permeate the Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index Judges 1:17And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 12:14 Library A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The Israelites The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who were the Amalekites? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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