Hosham is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings found in the Old Testament. He is noted as one of the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, a region located to the southeast of Israel, traditionally associated with the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob.

Biblical Reference:

Hosham is specifically mentioned in the Book of Genesis, which provides a list of the kings who ruled in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. The relevant passage is found in Genesis 36:31-34 :

"These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city was Dinhabah. When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place."

In this passage, Hosham is referred to as "Husham" in the Berean Standard Bible. He is identified as coming from the land of the Temanites, indicating a connection to the region or clan of Teman, which is often associated with wisdom and might in biblical literature.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Edomite kingship, as described in Genesis, reflects a structured and established monarchy in Edom, which existed prior to the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. This suggests that Edom was a significant and organized political entity during the patriarchal period. The mention of Hosham and other Edomite kings highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern peoples and the complex relationships between the descendants of Esau and Jacob.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Edomite kings in the biblical narrative underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Esau. Despite the tensions and conflicts between the Israelites and Edomites throughout biblical history, the record of Edomite kingship serves as a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His plans for all nations descended from Abraham.

Edom and Israel:

The relationship between Edom and Israel is marked by both kinship and conflict. As descendants of Isaac, both nations share a common ancestry, yet their histories are often characterized by rivalry and hostility. The biblical narrative frequently portrays Edom as an adversary of Israel, with prophetic literature foretelling judgment against Edom for its actions against God's chosen people.

Conclusion:

While the biblical account provides limited information about Hosham's reign, his inclusion in the genealogy of Edomite kings contributes to the broader understanding of the historical and theological landscape of the ancient Near East. The record of Hosham and his contemporaries serves as a reminder of the diverse and interconnected world in which the biblical patriarchs lived and the unfolding of God's redemptive history through various nations.Hosham

(haste), one of the early kings of Edom. Genesis36:34,36; 1Chr 1:45,46

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