The term "Gammadim" appears in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 27:11. The passage is part of a lamentation over the city of Tyre, a prominent ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the Gammadim were in your towers. They hung their shields on your walls all around; they perfected your beauty."

Context and Interpretation

Ezekiel 27 is a prophetic oracle that describes the grandeur and eventual downfall of Tyre. The chapter uses vivid imagery to portray Tyre as a magnificent ship, laden with riches and manned by skilled sailors and warriors from various regions. The mention of the Gammadim in verse 11 is part of this description, highlighting the diverse and formidable forces that contributed to Tyre's defense and splendor.

Identity of the Gammadim

The identity of the Gammadim is a subject of scholarly debate, as the term is unique to this passage and does not appear elsewhere in the Bible. Various interpretations have been proposed:

1. Ethnic Group or Tribe: Some scholars suggest that the Gammadim were a specific ethnic group or tribe known for their martial prowess. This interpretation aligns with the context of the passage, which lists various peoples contributing to Tyre's defense.

2. Geographical Reference: Another possibility is that "Gammadim" refers to inhabitants of a particular region or city, possibly near Tyre. However, no definitive geographical location has been identified that corresponds to this name.

3. Symbolic or Figurative Meaning: Some commentators propose that the term may have a symbolic or figurative meaning, possibly denoting "valiant warriors" or "brave men." This interpretation emphasizes the role of the Gammadim as defenders of Tyre, contributing to its military strength and aesthetic appeal.

4. Linguistic Considerations: The Hebrew root of the word "Gammadim" is not well understood, and some suggest it may be related to a term for "dwarfs" or "short men," though this interpretation is less commonly accepted.

Role in Tyre's Defense

Regardless of their precise identity, the Gammadim are depicted as part of the defensive forces stationed in Tyre's towers. Their presence, along with the men of Arvad and Helech, underscores the city's reliance on a diverse array of warriors to maintain its security and enhance its beauty. The imagery of shields hung on the walls suggests a formidable and well-prepared defense, contributing to the overall picture of Tyre as a powerful and prosperous city.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Gammadim in Ezekiel 27 serves to illustrate the transient nature of human glory and strength. Despite Tyre's impressive defenses and the valor of its warriors, the city ultimately faced divine judgment and destruction. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic literature, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over nations and the futility of relying solely on human power and alliances.

In summary, while the exact identity of the Gammadim remains uncertain, their inclusion in the lament over Tyre highlights the city's former glory and the diverse forces that contributed to its defense. The passage serves as a reminder of the limitations of human strength in the face of divine will.Gammadim

This word occurs only in (Ezekiel 27:11) A variety of explanations of the term have been offered.

1. One class renders it "pygmies."
2. A second treats it as a geographical or local term.
3. A third gives a more general sense to the word "brave warriors." Hitzig suggests "deserters." After all, the rendering in the LXX. --"guards"-- furnishes the simplest explanation.

Gammadim

Is used in the English Bible, Ezekiel 27:11, as the name of a people; but it rather means simply the brave, the warlike.

(Ezek. 27:11) brave warriors; R.V. marg., "valorous men;" others interpret this word as meaning "short-swordsmen," or "daring ones", the name of a class of men who were defenders of the towers of Tyre. GAMMADIM

gam'-a-dim (gammadhim):

The word occurs only in Ezekiel 27:11, in the King James Version in form "Gammadims," in the English Revised Version "Gammadim." In the American Standard Revised Version, as also in the English Revised Version, margin, it is rendered "valorous men." Some think a proper name is required, but identification is not possible, and the meaning remains doubtful.

1575. Gammadim -- "men of valor," defenders of Tyre
... 1574, 1575. Gammadim. 1576 . "men of valor," defenders of Tyre. Transliteration:
Gammadim Phonetic Spelling: (gam-mawd') Short Definition: Gammadim. ...
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Ezekiel's Discourse
... The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadim
were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about ...
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Gammadim (1 Occurrence)
... Tyre. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GAMMADIM. gam'-a ... meaning remains doubtful.
Multi-Version Concordance Gammadim (1 Occurrence). ...
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Gammad (1 Occurrence)

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Gamad (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:11 The men of Arvad and Helech were upon thy walls round about, and the
Gammadim were in thy towers; they hanged their shields upon thy walls round ...
/g/gamad.htm - 6k

Gammadims (1 Occurrence)

/g/gammadims.htm - 6k

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