Topical Encyclopedia The term "Hamathite" refers to the inhabitants of Hamath, an ancient city located in the region that is now part of modern-day Syria. Hamath is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of its interactions with Israel and its significance in the ancient Near East.Biblical References Hamath is first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:18, where the descendants of Canaan are listed: "the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites." This indicates that the Hamathites were part of the Canaanite lineage, descending from Ham through Canaan. In the historical narratives of the Old Testament, Hamath is often noted for its strategic importance and its interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. During the reign of King Solomon, Hamath is mentioned as part of the northern boundary of his kingdom. In 1 Kings 8:65, it is recorded: "So Solomon observed the feast at that time, and all Israel with him—a great assembly from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all." The city of Hamath also appears in the context of the conquests of the Assyrian Empire. In 2 Kings 18:34, during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, the Assyrian king Sennacherib boasts of his conquests, including Hamath: "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand?" Historical and Archaeological Context Hamath was a significant city-state in the ancient Near East, known for its strategic location along trade routes and its fertile land. It was a center of commerce and culture, often interacting with neighboring powers such as Egypt, Assyria, and Israel. Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered evidence of a thriving civilization, including inscriptions and artifacts that provide insight into the city's history and culture. The city was known for its distinctive style of pottery and its use of the Aramaic language, which became a lingua franca in the region. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the mention of Hamath and its inhabitants in the Bible serves as a reminder of the broader context of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel. The Hamathites, as part of the Canaanite peoples, were among those whom the Israelites were commanded to drive out of the Promised Land. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His plan to establish Israel as a holy nation set apart for His purposes. The interactions between Israel and Hamath also illustrate the challenges and complexities faced by the Israelites as they navigated relationships with neighboring peoples. The biblical narrative often highlights the tension between faithfulness to God's commands and the political and military realities of the ancient world. In summary, the Hamathites, as inhabitants of a significant city in the ancient Near East, played a role in the historical and theological landscape of the Bible. Their mention in Scripture underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through His chosen people, Israel. Strong's Hebrew 2577. Chamathi -- descendant of Canaan... 2576, 2577. Chamathi. 2578 . descendant of Canaan. Transliteration: Chamathi Phonetic Spelling: (kham-aw-thee') Short Definition: Hamathite. ... Hamathite. ... /hebrew/2577.htm - 6k Library Chapter x [Endnotes] An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Thesaurus Zemarite (2 Occurrences)... The occurrence of the name between Arvadite and Hamathite gives a hint as to locality. ... Genesis 10:18 the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. ... /z/zemarite.htm - 8k Zemarites (2 Occurrences) Zem'arites (2 Occurrences) Arvadite (2 Occurrences) Ar'vadites (2 Occurrences) Hamathite (2 Occurrences) Hamathites (2 Occurrences) Hamath (36 Occurrences) Ha'mathites (2 Occurrences) Families (272 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Hamathite (2 Occurrences)Genesis 10:18 1 Chronicles 1:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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