Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Basmath" (also spelled "Basemath" or "Bashemath") is derived from the Hebrew root "bāśam," meaning "fragrance" or "perfume." This name reflects a sense of pleasantness or sweetness, which may have been a desirable attribute in biblical times.

Biblical References:
Basmath is a name associated with two distinct women in the Old Testament, both connected to the family of Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah.

1. Basmath, Daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Basmath is first mentioned as one of Esau's wives. In Genesis 26:34 , it is recorded: "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite." This marriage to a Hittite woman was a source of grief to Esau's parents, Isaac and Rebekah, as noted in Genesis 26:35 : "And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah."

2. Basmath, Daughter of Ishmael:
Another Basmath is mentioned as a wife of Esau in Genesis 28:9 : "So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had." In Genesis 36:3 , she is referred to as Basemath, indicating a possible name change or variation. This Basmath is the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, and thus Esau's cousin. Her marriage to Esau may have been an attempt to align more closely with his family's Abrahamic heritage.

Genealogical Significance:
Basmath, the daughter of Ishmael, bore Esau a son named Reuel, as recorded in Genesis 36:4 : "And Basemath bore Reuel." Reuel became one of the chiefs of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, as detailed in Genesis 36:10-17. The Edomites played a significant role in the history of Israel, often as adversaries.

Cultural and Theological Context:
The marriages of Esau to women outside the Abrahamic covenant, particularly to Hittite women, are often viewed as a departure from the covenantal promises given to Abraham and Isaac. This is contrasted with Jacob, Esau's twin brother, who sought a wife from his mother's family, aligning with the covenantal lineage. Esau's choice of wives is sometimes interpreted as indicative of his disregard for the spiritual heritage of his family, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
The Hittites, to whom Basmath, daughter of Elon, belonged, were an ancient people known for their significant influence in the region. Their interactions with the patriarchs of Israel highlight the complex social and political landscape of the time. The mention of Ishmael's daughter as another Basmath underscores the interconnectedness of the various tribes and families descending from Abraham.

Conclusion:
The figure of Basmath in the Bible, whether as a Hittite or an Ishmaelite, serves as a reminder of the diverse familial and cultural interactions present in the patriarchal narratives. Her account is intertwined with the themes of covenant, heritage, and the unfolding plan of God through the lineage of Abraham.Basmath

(fragrant, pleasing), a daughter of Solomon, married to Ahimaaz, one of his commissariat officers. (1 Kings 4:15) (B.C. after 1014.)

BASEMATH; BASHEMATH; BASMATH

bas'-e-math, bash'-e-math, bas'-math (basemath, "fragrant"):

(1) Basemath, one of the wives of Esau, a daughter of Elon, the Hittite (Genesis 26:34; the King James Version Bashemath), probably identical with or a sister of Adah whom he also married (Genesis 36:2). Compare ADAH.

(2) Basemath (the King James Version Bashemath), another wife of Esau, a daughter of Ishmael and a sister of Nebaioth (Genesis 36:3, 4, 10, 13, 17). This wife is also called Mahalath (Genesis 28:9), and is of the house of Abraham. Esau married her because his father was not pleased with his other wives who were daughters of Canaan. Compare MAHALATH.

(3) Basemath (the King James Version Basmath), the daughter of Solomon, and wife of Ahimaaz, a commissariat-officer in the service of Solomon (1 Kings 4:15).

A. L. Breslich

BASMATH

bas'-math.

See BASEMATH.

1315. Basemath -- "perfume," a wife of Esau (or perhaps two wives ...
... Bashemath, Basmath. Feminine of besem (the second form); fragrance; Bosmath, the
name of a wife of Esau, and of a daughter of Solomon -- Bashemath, Basmath. ...
/hebrew/1315.htm - 6kBasmath (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BASEMATH; BASHEMATH; BASMATH. ... AL Breslich. BASMATH.
bas'-math. See BASEMATH. Multi-Version Concordance Basmath (7 Occurrences). ...
/b/basmath.htm - 9k

Bashemath (6 Occurrences)
... (2.) A daughter of Solomon, and wife of Ahimaaz, one of his officers (1 Kings
4:15). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BASEMATH; BASHEMATH; BASMATH. ...
/b/bashemath.htm - 10k

Basemath (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BASEMATH; BASHEMATH; BASMATH. bas'-e-math,
bash'-e-math, bas'-math (basemath, "fragrant"): (1) Basemath ...
/b/basemath.htm - 9k

Baskets (20 Occurrences)

/b/baskets.htm - 12k

Bason (3 Occurrences)

/b/bason.htm - 13k

Nephtali (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nephtali (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:15 Ahimaaz, in Nephtali;
he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon as wife. (DBY). ...
/n/nephtali.htm - 6k

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