Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Karnaim" is derived from the Hebrew word "קַרְנַיִם" (Qarnayim), which means "horns." This term often symbolizes strength and might in biblical literature, as horns are typically associated with power and authority.

Biblical References:
Karnaim is mentioned in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Amos. In Amos 6:13, the prophet Amos rebukes the Israelites for their pride and false sense of security, saying, "You who rejoice in Lo-debar and say, ‘Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?’" . This reference highlights the arrogance of the Israelites, who believed they had conquered Karnaim through their own power rather than acknowledging the sovereignty of God.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Karnaim is identified with the city of Ashteroth Karnaim, located in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic importance. Historically, it was a significant city in the ancient Near East, often associated with the Rephaim, a group of ancient people mentioned in the Bible.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
In the biblical narrative, Karnaim is often associated with idolatry and pagan worship. The city was a center for the worship of the Canaanite goddess Ashtoreth, which is reflected in its name, Ashteroth Karnaim. This association with idolatry is significant in the prophetic literature, where the prophets frequently condemned the Israelites for adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations.

Theological Implications:
The mention of Karnaim in the Book of Amos serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. The Israelites' boastful claim of having taken Karnaim by their own strength is a direct challenge to the biblical teaching that all victories and successes are ultimately granted by God. This theme is consistent throughout the Scriptures, where reliance on God rather than human strength is emphasized.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of ancient Karnaim is debated, it is generally associated with the site of Tell Ashtara in modern-day Syria. Archaeological findings in the region have provided insights into the Canaanite and later Israelite presence, including artifacts related to the worship practices of the time.

Conclusion:
Karnaim serves as a historical and theological touchpoint in the biblical narrative, illustrating the recurring theme of human pride versus divine sovereignty. Its mention in the prophetic literature underscores the importance of humility and reliance on God, a lesson that resonates throughout the biblical text.Karnaim

horns

6255. Ashteroth Qarnayim -- "Ashtaroth of the double horns," a ...
... horns," a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Ashteroth Qarnayim Phonetic
Spelling: (ash-ter-oth' kar-nah'-yim) Short Definition: Ashteroth-karnaim. ...
/hebrew/6255.htm - 6k

7163b. Qarnayim -- a place probably in Bashan
... 7163a, 7163b. Qarnayim. 7164 . a place probably in Bashan. Transliteration:
Qarnayim Short Definition: Karnaim. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/7163b.htm - 5k

The History after the Flood.
... This was the first commencement of making war on the earth; and they destroyed the
giants Karnaim, and the strong nations that were with them in their city ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Kudur-lagamar defeated them one after another"the Rephaim near to Ashtaroth-Karnaim,
the Zuzim near Ham,**** the Amim at Shaveh-Kiriathaim, and the Horim on ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Karnaim (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Karnaim (2 Occurrences). Genesis 14:5 In the
fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were ...
/k/karnaim.htm - 7k

Ashteroth-karnaim (1 Occurrence)
Ashteroth-karnaim. Ashterothkarnaim, Ashteroth-karnaim. Ash'teroth-karna'im .
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH. ...
/a/ashteroth-karnaim.htm - 12k

Ashterothkarnaim
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH.
ash'-ta-roth, as'-ta-roth (`ashtaroth; the King James ...
/a/ashterothkarnaim.htm - 11k

Beeshterah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH.
ash'-ta-roth, as'-ta-roth (`ashtaroth; the King James ...
/b/beeshterah.htm - 12k

Ashtaroth (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) Plural of Ashtoreth. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH. ash ...
/a/ashtaroth.htm - 17k

Ashteroth (2 Occurrences)
... Ashteroth Karnaim: Ashteroth of the two horns, the abode of the Rephaim (Genesis
14:5). It may be identified with Ashtaroth preceding; called "Karnaim", ie ...
/a/ashteroth.htm - 7k

Ash'teroth-karna'im (1 Occurrence)
Ash'teroth-karna'im. Ashteroth-karnaim, Ash'teroth-karna'im. Ashtoreth . ...
Ashteroth-karnaim, Ash'teroth-karna'im. Ashtoreth . Reference Bible.
/a/ash'teroth-karna'im.htm - 6k

Zuzim (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 14:5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with
him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and ...
/z/zuzim.htm - 7k

Zuzites (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer and the kings that were
with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham ...
/z/zuzites.htm - 6k

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