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Hormah

Locations
Modern Location N/A
Coordinates N/A

Geographical Setting

Hormah was an ancient Canaanite settlement in the Negev region, identified in biblical texts as the site of a military defeat for the Israelites and subsequently renamed to signify its destruction.

What is the meaning of Hormah in the Bible?

Hormah was a Canaanite city located in the southern Levant, identified in biblical narratives as the site where the Israelites suffered a defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites, leading to its destruction and renaming to reflect its status as a place of judgment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Hormah provides context for the narrative of Israelite military setbacks in the wilderness and illustrates the biblical theme of divine judgment associated with disobedience, helping readers grasp the theological weight placed on this specific location in the historical accounts.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Hormah held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Hormah in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Hormah clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Hormah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hormah/
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