Hoham

Background and Family

Direct genealogical information regarding Hoham is absent from the biblical text. He is introduced solely by his title and his city-state: "Hoham king of Hebron" (Joshua 10:3). As a ruler of Hebron, Hoham presided over a region that was historically significant even before the Israelite arrival, as Hebron was associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The biblical narrative classifies him within the broader context of the Amorite kings, suggesting he represented the indigenous Canaanite power structure that the Israelites were commanded to displace.

Major Life Events

The entirety of Hoham’s recorded history occurs during the Israelite invasion of Canaan. Following the destruction of Ai and the subsequent treaty between Israel and the Gibeonites, the local Canaanite authorities became alarmed. Adoni-zedek, the king of Jerusalem, recognized that the defection of Gibeon—a large and powerful city—to the side of Israel threatened the security of the entire region.

In response, Adoni-zedek sent a diplomatic summons to four other regional rulers, including Hoham of Hebron. The text states: "Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron... saying, 'Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon'" (Joshua 10:3-4). Hoham accepted this proposal, joining his forces with those of Jerusalem, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. This five-king coalition laid siege to Gibeon, intending to punish the city for its capitulation to Joshua.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Hoham’s primary relationship in the text is his military partnership with the other four Amorite kings: Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. These men acted as a unified front against Joshua and the Gibeonites. While the text focuses on their collective political action, it portrays Hoham as a secondary figure to Adoni-zedek, who acted as the instigator of the alliance.

Spiritual Significance

In the broader theological framework of the Book of Joshua, Hoham serves as an archetype of the resistance against the divine decree for Israel to inherit Canaan. His city, Hebron, would later become a major priestly city and the first capital of King David, making Hoham’s initial opposition a significant hurdle in the establishment of the Promised Land. His inclusion in the narrative underscores the scale of the opposition Joshua faced, highlighting the belief that Israel’s victories were the result of divine intervention rather than mere military superiority.