Who Was Hoham in the Bible?
Hoham is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in Joshua 10:3. He was the king of Hebron, a Canaanite city, during the time of Israel’s conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. Hoham’s name (הוֹהָם) appears only briefly in the biblical narrative, but his involvement in the events of the conquest provides insight into the challenges the Israelites faced as they sought to take possession of the Promised Land.
Hoham’s Role in the Conquest of Canaan
Hoham is mentioned in the context of a coalition of Canaanite kings who banded together to oppose the advancing Israelites. Joshua 10:3 records that Adoni-Zedek, the king of Jerusalem, sent a message to Hoham, along with Piram, king of Jarmuth; Japhia, king of Lachish; and Debir, king of Eglon. This coalition of kings united to attack Gibeon, a city that had recently made peace with Israel, recognizing the threat posed by the Israelites’ growing power.
The coalition’s formation was a reaction to the Israelites’ previous victories, including the miraculous fall of Jericho and the defeat of Ai. The Canaanite kings understood that the Israelites, under God’s command, posed a significant threat to their cities and territories. By attacking Gibeon, the coalition hoped to cut off Israel’s influence and halt their advance.
The battle that ensued, known as the Battle of Gibeon, was a significant event in Israel’s conquest of Canaan. The Lord intervened on behalf of the Israelites, causing confusion among the Canaanite forces and even stopping the sun in the sky to prolong the daylight, allowing Israel more time to achieve victory (Joshua 10:12-13). Hoham, along with the other kings, was ultimately defeated, demonstrating God’s power and the fulfillment of His promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The story of Hoham and the coalition of Canaanite kings offers several lessons for modern Christians. One important lesson is the recognition of God’s sovereignty and power. The defeat of Hoham and his allies illustrates that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, no matter how formidable the opposition may appear. This reminds believers that God’s purposes will prevail, and they can trust in His power to overcome any obstacles.
Another lesson is the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will. The Canaanite kings, including Hoham, opposed God’s plan for the Israelites to inherit the Promised Land. Their resistance led to their downfall, underscoring the futility of standing against God’s commands. For modern Christians, this serves as a reminder to seek God’s will and align their actions with His purposes, trusting that His ways are just and righteous.
Connection to a Loving God
The story of Hoham and the conquest of Canaan also highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises. The Israelites’ victories, including the defeat of Hoham and his allies, were a direct result of God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to give the land of Canaan to their descendants, and He faithfully fulfilled this promise despite the challenges and opposition faced.
This aspect of the story reassures modern believers of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. It demonstrates that God is true to His word and that His promises are reliable. For Christians today, this encourages trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He will fulfill His promises to His people, including the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Connection to Jesus Christ
While Hoham is a minor character in the biblical narrative, the broader context of the conquest of Canaan has significant connections to the story of Jesus Christ. The conquest itself foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. Just as God delivered the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites, Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, delivers believers from the bondage of sin and brings them into the promised inheritance of eternal life.
The defeat of the Canaanite kings, including Hoham, also symbolizes the triumph of God’s kingdom over the kingdoms of this world. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the coming of God’s kingdom, a kingdom not of this world but of eternal peace and righteousness. The events in the book of Joshua can be seen as a precursor to the final establishment of God’s kingdom, which Christ inaugurated and will bring to completion at His return.
Conclusion
Hoham, the king of Hebron, plays a brief but illustrative role in the biblical account of the conquest of Canaan. His opposition to the Israelites and subsequent defeat highlight the themes of God’s sovereignty, the importance of aligning with God’s will, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness to His promises. For modern Christians, Hoham’s story serves as a reminder of the futility of resisting God’s plans and the importance of trusting in His power and faithfulness.
The connection to Jesus Christ further enriches this narrative, as it points to the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Through the story of Hoham and the conquest of Canaan, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s promises, align their lives with His will, and look forward to the full realization of His kingdom.