Admah: A City in the Vale of Siddim
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Admah was one of the five cities located in the Vale of Siddim, a region that is historically significant in the biblical narrative. The city is mentioned in the context of the infamous destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as in the account of the battle of the kings in Genesis.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 10:19 · Admah is first mentioned in the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and the territories they inhabited. The verse states, "And the territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha."

2. Genesis 14:2, 8 · Admah is listed among the cities involved in the battle of the kings. The king of Admah, along with the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar), fought against Chedorlaomer and his allies. "These kings went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar)" (Genesis 14:2).

3. Genesis 19:24-25 · Although Admah is not explicitly mentioned in this passage, it is implied to have been destroyed alongside Sodom and Gomorrah. "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground" (Genesis 19:24-25).

4. Deuteronomy 29:23 · The destruction of Admah is explicitly mentioned as a warning to the Israelites. "All its land will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unplanted and unproductive, and no grass will grow on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger" (Deuteronomy 29:23).

5. Hosea 11:8 · The prophet Hosea references Admah in a metaphorical plea, expressing God's compassion and reluctance to destroy Israel as He did with Admah. "How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I hand you over, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; all My compassion is aroused" (Hosea 11:8).

Historical and Theological Significance:

Admah, along with its neighboring cities, serves as a symbol of divine judgment against sin and wickedness. The destruction of these cities is often cited as a testament to God's righteousness and His intolerance of sin. The narrative underscores the moral and spiritual decay that had permeated these cities, leading to their ultimate downfall.

The mention of Admah in the context of the battle of the kings highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, illustrating the alliances and conflicts that shaped the region's history. The city's inclusion in the Table of Nations further emphasizes its role in the broader narrative of the descendants of Noah and the spread of humanity across the earth.

In prophetic literature, Admah's destruction serves as a cautionary tale, reminding the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from God. The references in Deuteronomy and Hosea illustrate the enduring legacy of Admah's fate as a warning to future generations.

Admah's account, though brief in the biblical text, is a powerful reminder of the themes of judgment, mercy, and the call to righteousness that permeate the Scriptures.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:19
And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you come to Gerar, to Gaza; as you go, to Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even to Lasha.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:2
That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 29:23
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor bears, nor any grass grows therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 11:8
How shall I give you up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver you, Israel? how shall I make you as Admah? how shall I set you as Zeboim? my heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xiv
... certainly resembles "Ellasar," an old Babylonian city a bit ... "Admah" and "Zeboyim"
are mentioned, aside from this ... objective, the cities in the Vale of Siddim. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Resources
What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org

What were Admah and Zeboiim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Admah and Zeboiim
Top of Page
Top of Page