Topical Encyclopedia Hamath, an ancient city located in modern-day Syria, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. It was a prominent city-state in the ancient Near East, often mentioned alongside other key locations in the biblical narrative. The city is frequently referenced in the context of territorial boundaries and prophetic declarations.Geographical and Historical Context Hamath was situated on the Orontes River, serving as a strategic and fertile location. It was a major center of trade and culture, influencing the surrounding regions. The city is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the territorial boundaries of the Promised Land. In Numbers 34:8, the northern boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites is described as extending "from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath." Prophetic Significance The prophecies concerning Hamath are primarily found in the books of the prophets, where it is often mentioned in conjunction with judgments against the nations. The city is included in the oracles against foreign nations, highlighting its role in the broader narrative of divine judgment and restoration. 1. Isaiah's Prophecy: In Isaiah 10:9, Hamath is mentioned in a rhetorical question posed by the Assyrian king, comparing it to other conquered cities: "Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?" This passage underscores the Assyrian conquest and the perceived invincibility of their empire, yet it also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Assyria itself, as prophesied by Isaiah. 2. Jeremiah's Oracle: Jeremiah 49:23-27 includes Hamath in a prophecy against Damascus, indicating the city's involvement in the regional turmoil: "Concerning Damascus: Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard bad news; they are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea." This prophecy highlights the fear and distress that would come upon these cities as a result of impending judgment. 3. Ezekiel's Vision: In Ezekiel 47:16-17, Hamath is again mentioned in the context of the future boundaries of Israel: "Berothah, Sibraim (which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran." This vision of restoration and the re-establishment of Israel's borders includes Hamath as a significant landmark. 4. Amos' Pronouncement: The prophet Amos also speaks of Hamath in Amos 6:2, warning Israel of impending judgment by comparing their complacency to the fate of other cities: "Go to Calneh and see; go from there to great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory greater than yours?" This serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience. Theological Implications The prophecies concerning Hamath reflect the broader biblical themes of judgment and redemption. The city's inclusion in these prophetic messages serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate plan for justice and restoration. The references to Hamath in the context of Israel's boundaries also emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, underscoring the hope of restoration and the establishment of His kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 49:23Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet. Nave's Topical Index Library The Prophet Joel. Deliverance from Assyria Examples of True Eloquence Drawn from the Epistles of Paul and the ... Book 9 Footnotes We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... The Old Testament and Archeology Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Prophet Amos. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org What happened to the lost tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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