Hammath
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Topical Encyclopedia
Hammath is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily recognized as a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. The name "Hammath" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "hot," which is fitting given its association with hot springs.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 19:35 · Hammath is listed among the fortified cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali. The verse states: "The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth."

2. 1 Chronicles 6:76 · In the genealogical records, Hammath is mentioned as part of the Levitical cities given to the descendants of Gershon. The verse reads: "And from the tribe of Naphtali they gave Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Hammath is often identified with the modern site of Hamat Tiberias, located near the southwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This identification is supported by archaeological findings, including ancient synagogues and hot springs, which align with the historical and geographical descriptions found in biblical and extrabiblical sources.

The hot springs of Hammath have been renowned since ancient times for their therapeutic properties. These springs are part of the reason the city was named "Hammath," emphasizing the significance of the natural resources in the area.

Archaeological Significance:

Excavations at Hamat Tiberias have uncovered significant remains, including a well-preserved synagogue dating back to the Byzantine period. The synagogue's mosaic floor, featuring a zodiac wheel and other Jewish symbols, provides insight into the religious and cultural life of the Jewish community in the region during that era.

Theological Implications:

Hammath's inclusion in the list of Levitical cities underscores its role in the religious life of ancient Israel. As a Levitical city, Hammath would have been a center for worship and instruction, serving the spiritual needs of the surrounding community. The allocation of cities like Hammath to the Levites reflects the importance of maintaining a distributed network of religious leaders throughout the land, ensuring that the teachings of the Law were accessible to all tribes.

Cultural and Religious Influence:

The presence of hot springs and the subsequent development of the area as a place of healing and rest may have contributed to Hammath's cultural significance. In biblical times, such natural features were often seen as blessings from God, providing for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people.

In summary, Hammath is a notable biblical city with a rich historical and religious heritage. Its mention in the Scriptures highlights its importance within the tribal allotments of Israel and its role in the broader narrative of the Old Testament.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hammath

(warm springs), one of the fortified cities in the territory allotted to Naphtali. (Joshua 19:35) It was near Tiberias, one mile distant, and had its name Chammath, "hot baths," because it contained those of Tiberias. In the list of Levitical cities given out of Naphtali, (Joshua 21:32) the name of this place seems to be given as HAMMOTH-DOR.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Warm springs, one of the "fenced cities" of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35). It is identified with the warm baths (the heat of the water ranging from 136 degrees to 144 degrees) still found on the shore a little to the south of Tiberias under the name of Hummam Tabariyeh ("Bath of Tiberias").
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HAMMATH

ham'-ath (chammath, "hot spring"):

(1) "The father of the house of Rechab" (1 Chronicles 2:55).

(2) One of the fenced cities of Naphtali, named with Zer, Rakkath and Chinnereth (Joshua 19:35). It is doubtless identical with Emmaus mentioned by Josephus (Ant., XVIII, ii, 3; BJ, IV, i, 3) as near Tiberias, on the shore of the lake of Gennesareth. It is represented by the modern el-Chammam, nearly 2 miles South of Tiberias. It was, of course, much nearer the ancient Tiberias, which lay South of the present city. The hot baths here, "useful for healing," in the time of Josephus, have maintained their reputation. In recent years, indeed, there has been a marked increase in the number of sick persons from all parts who visit the baths. The waters are esteemed specially valuable for rheumatism and skin troubles. In the large public bath the water has a temperature of over 140 degree Fahr. Parts of the ancient fortification still cling to the mountain side above the baths; and the remains of an aqueduct which brought fresh water from sources in the Southwest may be traced along the face of the slopes. Hammath is identical with Hammon (1 Chronicles 6:76); and probably also with Hammoth-dor (Joshua 21:32).

W. Ewing

Strong's Hebrew
2575. Chammath -- "hot (spring)," a city in Naphtali
... 2574, 2575. Chammath. 2575a . "hot (spring)," a city in Naphtali. Transliteration:
Chammath Phonetic Spelling: (klam-math') Short Definition: Hammath. Hammath ...
/hebrew/2575.htm - 5k

2575a. Chammath -- "hot (spring)," a city in Naphtali
... 2575, 2575a. Chammath. 2575b . "hot (spring)," a city in Naphtali.
Transliteration: Chammath Short Definition: Hammath. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/2575a.htm - 5k

2575b. Chammath -- perhaps "hot (spring)," father of the house of ...
... 2575a, 2575b. Chammath. 2576 . perhaps "hot (spring)," father of the house
of Rechab. Transliteration: Chammath Short Definition: Hammath. ...
/hebrew/2575b.htm - 5k

Library

False Civilization
... yet living a simple wholesome life; till in the days of Ahab and Jehu there arose
among them a chief called Jonadab the son of Rechab, of the house of Hammath. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon vi false civilization.htm

Thesaurus
Hammath (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HAMMATH. ...Hammath is identical with Hammon (1
Chronicles 6:76); and probably also with Hammoth-dor (Joshua 21:32). W. Ewing. ...
/h/hammath.htm - 8k

Rakkath (1 Occurrence)
... raqqath; Codex Vaticanus Omathadaketh; Codex Alexandrinus Rhekkath): The Greek is
obviously the result of confusing the two names Rakkath and Hammath, taking "r ...
/r/rakkath.htm - 7k

Zer (1 Occurrence)
... a Hebrew text with ha-tsurim, "Tyrians"; this must be an error): One of the fortified
cities in Naphtali, named between Ziddim (ChaTTin) and Hammath (el-Chammeh ...
/z/zer.htm - 7k

Tiberias (3 Occurrences)
... The modern city of Tiberias (Tabariyeh) stands at the northern extremity, where
the ground begins to rise; and the Hot Baths (Hammath) at the south end. ...
/t/tiberias.htm - 15k

Kenites (8 Occurrences)
... Among the ancestors of the tribe of Judah, the Chronicler includes the Kenite
Hammath, the father of the Rechabites (1 Chronicles 2:55). ...
/k/kenites.htm - 13k

Rechab (13 Occurrences)
... of Samuel were written (2 Samuel 4:3). (2) The more prominent of the men bearing
this name was a Kenite (see KENITES), a descendant of Hammath (1 Chronicles 2 ...
/r/rechab.htm - 15k

Hammeah (2 Occurrences)

/h/hammeah.htm - 8k

Ziddim-zer (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ziddim-zer (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:35 And the fortified
cities were Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, (See JPS). ...
/z/ziddim-zer.htm - 6k

Ziddim (1 Occurrence)
... Ziddim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath,
Rakkath, Chinnereth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/ziddim.htm - 7k

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)
... Jordan eastward. (See NIV). Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim,
Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, (See NIV). 1 Kings 15 ...
/k/kinnereth.htm - 8k

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