Horonaim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the territory of Moab. The name "Horonaim" is believed to mean "two caves" or "two hollows," suggesting a geographical feature that may have been significant in its identification. This city is referenced in the context of prophetic judgments against Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 15:5 : "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. For they go up the ascent of Luhith, weeping as they go; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction." This passage is part of a prophecy concerning the impending judgment and devastation that would befall Moab. Horonaim is depicted as a place on the route of fleeing Moabite refugees, indicating its location along a significant path of escape or travel.

2. Jeremiah 48:3-5 : "A voice cries out from Horonaim: 'Devastation and great destruction!' Moab will be shattered; her little ones will cry out. For on the ascent to Luhith they will ascend with continual weeping; for at the descent of Horonaim they have heard the cries of distress over the destruction." In this passage, Horonaim is again mentioned in the context of Moab's downfall. The cries from Horonaim symbolize the widespread calamity and sorrow that would accompany Moab's judgment.

3. Jeremiah 48:34 : "From the outcry at Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz, they have raised their voice, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have become desolate." This verse further emphasizes the extent of Moab's destruction, with Horonaim being one of the locations from which the cries of distress are heard. The mention of Horonaim alongside other Moabite cities underscores its significance within the region.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Horonaim's exact location remains uncertain, but it is generally thought to have been situated in the southern part of Moab, possibly near the Arnon River. The city's mention in conjunction with other Moabite locations suggests it was an integral part of the Moabite landscape, possibly serving as a strategic or fortified site.

Theological Significance:

The references to Horonaim in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah highlight the theme of divine judgment against nations that opposed Israel. Moab, despite its kinship with Israel through Lot, often found itself at odds with God's chosen people. The prophecies concerning Horonaim serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, as well as the consequences of pride and enmity against His people.

Horonaim's inclusion in these prophecies also reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel. It illustrates the fulfillment of divine warnings and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes, even amidst the tumult of geopolitical conflicts in the ancient Near East.Horonaim

angers; ragings

Horonaim

(two caverns), a town of Moab, possibly a sanctuary, named with Zoar and Luhith. (Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:3,5,34)

Two caverns, a city of Moab to the south of the Arnon, built, apparently, upon an eminence, and a place of some importance (Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:3, 5, 34). HORONAIM

hor-o-na'-im (choronayim); Aronieim; in Jeremiah Oronaim, "the two hollows"): A place in the South of Moab. It is named in Jeremiah 48:5. Isaiah (15:5) and Jeremiah (48:3) speak of "the way to Horanaim"; and Jeremiah (48:5) of the "descent," or "going down" of Horonaim. Mesha (MS) says he was bidden by Chemosh to "go down" and fight against Choronem. Probably, therefore, it lay on one of the roads leading down from the Moabite plateau to the Arabah. It is mentioned by Josephus as having been taken by Alexander Janneus (Ant., XIII, xv, 4). Hyrcanus promised to restore it and the rest to Aretas (XIV, i, 4). There is no indication that in early times it was ever possessed by Israel. Buhl (GAP 272) thinks it may be represented by some significant ruins near Wady ed-Dera`a (Wady Kerak).

W. Ewing

2773. Choronayim -- "two hollows," a place in Moab
... Choronayim. 2774 . "two hollows," a place in Moab. Transliteration: Choronayim
Phonetic Spelling: (kho-ro-nah'-yim) Short Definition: Horonaim. ... Horonaim. ...
/hebrew/2773.htm - 6k

Appendices
... [and the shepherds] of the flocks of the land. And at Horonaim (Isaiah 15:5) there
dwelt... 31. ... And Chemosh said unto me: Go down, make war upon Horonaim. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Horonaim (5 Occurrences)
...HORONAIM. hor-o-na'-im (choronayim); Aronieim; in Jeremiah Oronaim, "the two
hollows"): A place in the South of Moab. ...Horonaim (5 Occurrences). ...
/h/horonaim.htm - 9k

Luhith (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Made of boards, a Moabitish place between Zoar and Horonaim
(Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:5). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/l/luhith.htm - 8k

Horona'im (5 Occurrences)
Horona'im. Horonaim, Horona'im. Horonite . ... (See RSV). Jeremiah 48:3 A voice
of a cry 'is' from Horonaim, Spoiling and great destruction. (See RSV). ...
/h/horona'im.htm - 7k

Eglath-shelishiyah (2 Occurrences)
... Septuagint. In the former case strong and unconquered cities, Zoar and Horonaim,
are compared to the heifer not yet broken to the yoke. ...
/e/eglath-shelishiyah.htm - 8k

Ascent (32 Occurrences)
... lu'-hith, loo'-hith, ma`-aleh ha-luchith): A place named in Isaiah 15:5 Jeremiah
48:5. It is clearly identical with the way, or descent, of Horonaim. ...
/a/ascent.htm - 21k

Zo'ar (10 Occurrences)
... out for Moab; her people go in flight to Zoar, and to Eglath-shelishiyah: for they
go up with weeping by the slope of Luhith; on the way to Horonaim they send ...
/z/zo'ar.htm - 9k

Nimrim (2 Occurrences)
... In each case it is mentioned in association with Zoar and Horonaim. It is therefore
probably to be sought to the Southeast of the Dead Sea. ...
/n/nimrim.htm - 8k

Eg'lath-shelish'iyah (2 Occurrences)
... out for Moab; her people go in flight to Zoar, and to Eglath-shelishiyah: for they
go up with weeping by the slope of Luhith; on the way to Horonaim they send ...
/e/eg'lath-shelish'iyah.htm - 7k

Eglath (2 Occurrences)
... Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of
Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of ...
/e/eglath.htm - 7k

Shelishiyah (2 Occurrences)
... Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of
Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of ...
/s/shelishiyah.htm - 7k

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