Etymology and Meaning: The name "Hammothdor" is derived from Hebrew origins, with "Hammoth" meaning "hot springs" and "Dor" possibly referring to a "generation" or "dwelling." Thus, Hammothdor can be understood as "hot springs of Dor" or "dwelling of hot springs."

Biblical References: Hammothdor is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. In Joshua 21:32, it is referred to as one of the cities given to the Levites: "From the tribe of Naphtali they gave Kedesh in Galilee, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammoth-dor, and Kartan, together with their pasturelands—three cities."

Geographical Context: Hammothdor is located in the region of Galilee, which is in the northern part of ancient Israel. The mention of "hot springs" suggests that the area may have been known for its geothermal activity, which would have been a significant feature in the ancient landscape. The exact location of Hammothdor is not definitively known today, but it is generally associated with the area near the Sea of Galilee.

Historical and Cultural Significance: As a Levitical city, Hammothdor held religious and cultural importance. The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel, responsible for religious duties and the maintenance of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. Cities given to the Levites, such as Hammothdor, served as centers for religious instruction and worship.

Theological Implications: The allocation of Hammothdor to the Levites underscores the provision and care God extended to the tribe of Levi, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities and pasturelands throughout Israel, emphasizing their role as spiritual leaders and mediators between God and the people.

Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence for Hammothdor is limited, the general region of Galilee has been extensively studied. Discoveries in the area provide insights into the life and culture during the biblical period, including the presence of ancient settlements, agricultural practices, and trade routes.

Related Biblical Themes: The mention of Hammothdor ties into broader biblical themes of inheritance, the distribution of the Promised Land, and the special role of the Levites. It also reflects the importance of specific locations in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history and God's covenant with His people.

Cross-References: For further study, see related entries on the Tribe of Naphtali, the Levitical Cities, and the concept of Cities of Refuge. Additionally, explore the broader context of the Book of Joshua, which details the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel.Hammothdor

(dwelling of the warm springs). [HAMMATH]

Warm springs, a Levitical city of Naphtali (Joshua 21:32); probably Hammath in 19:35. HAMMOTH-DOR

ham-oth-dor' (chammoth do'r; Emathdor, as also several corrupt forms): A fenced, Levitical city of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35; Joshua 21:32); also named Hammen (1 Chronicles 6:61 Hebrew). Probably the hammatu of the Karnak lists, and the hamatam of WAI, II, 53; certainly the Emmaus of Josephus, Ant, XVIII, ii, 3; BJ, IV, i, 3; Hamata of `Erubhin v. 5; Meghillah 2b, and the modern el-Hammam, 1 1/2 miles South of Tiberias. The name signifies "hot springs," and these, 4 in number, still exist. They have a temperature of 144 degree F., are salt and bitter in taste and sulfurous in smell. Considered invaluable for rheumatism, they are crowded in June and July. This health-giving reputation is of ancient date. It is mentioned in Josephus, BJ, IV, i, 3; and a coin of Tiberias of the reign of Trajan depicts Hygeia sitting on a rock beside the springs, feeding the serpent of Aesculapius. Being used for pleasure also, they were permitted to the Jew on the Sabbath, whereas had they been used only medicinally, they would have been forbidden (Babylonian Talmud, Shab 109a; compare Matthew 12:10).

W. M. Christie

Hammothdor (1 Occurrence)
... 12:10). WM Christie. Multi-Version Concordance Hammothdor (1 Occurrence).
Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee ...
/h/hammothdor.htm - 8k

Hammoth (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/h/hammoth.htm - 6k

Hammoth-dor (1 Occurrence)
Hammoth-dor. Hammothdor, Hammoth-dor. Ham'moth-dor . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Hammothdor, Hammoth-dor. Ham'moth-dor . ...
/h/hammoth-dor.htm - 8k

Kartan (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/k/kartan.htm - 7k

Pasturelands (42 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/p/pasturelands.htm - 16k

Kedesh (12 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/k/kedesh.htm - 14k

Slayer (23 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/s/slayer.htm - 13k

Dor (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/d/dor.htm - 13k

Accused (29 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/a/accused.htm - 15k

Suburbs (75 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the
city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan ...
/s/suburbs.htm - 29k

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