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The Hebrew word הַרְמ֫וֹנָה (harmonah), Strong's H2038, is a rare term that appears specifically in the Book of Amos in the Bible.
from the same as H2036; castle (because of its height): palace.
In Amos 4:3, we find this word in a context of divine judgment. The exact meaning of "harmonah" has been debated among biblical scholars, but the main interpretations include:
Geographical reference: It could refer to a location, possibly a mountainous region or a citadel. Some translations interpret it as "toward Hermon" (the mountain). Reference to exile: In the context of Amos, where judgment against Israel is being announced, it could mean "to be cast out" or "to be cast out," referring to the impending exile. Palace or fortress: Some scholars interpret it as "toward the palace" or "toward the fortress," suggesting a place of confinement. The passage in which it appears ( Amos 4:3) is part of a prophecy against the wealthy women of Samaria, where the prophet announces that they will be taken into exile or expelled "to Harmonah." The general context is one of divine judgment and punishment against the oppression and social injustice practiced by Israel's privileged classes.
Due to the rarity of its use and its specific context, it is a word whose exact meaning remains disputed among translators and scholars of the Hebrew Bible. |