The Hamathites were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the city of Hamath, which was a significant city-state located in the region of modern-day Syria. The city of Hamath is frequently referenced in the Old Testament as a boundary marker and a point of geopolitical interest.

Biblical References

The Hamathites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:18, where they are listed among the descendants of Canaan: "the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites." This passage situates the Hamathites within the broader Canaanite lineage, indicating their ethnic and cultural connections to the other Canaanite tribes.

In Numbers 13:21, the land of Hamath is described as part of the northern extent of the territory explored by the Israelite spies: "So they went up and explored the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath." This reference highlights the strategic importance of Hamath as a northern boundary of the Promised Land.

The city of Hamath is also mentioned in the context of King Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 8:65, it is noted that Solomon held a feast that extended "from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt," indicating the vastness of his kingdom and the inclusion of Hamath within his sphere of influence.

Historical and Geopolitical Significance

Hamath was a prominent city in the ancient Near East, known for its strategic location along trade routes and its fertile surroundings. It served as a buffer state between larger empires, such as the Hittites to the north and the Egyptians to the south. The city's significance is underscored by its frequent mention in Assyrian and Egyptian records, where it is often depicted as a vassal or ally.

During the period of the divided monarchy, Hamath is mentioned in the context of the northern kingdom of Israel. In 2 Kings 14:25, Jeroboam II is said to have restored the boundaries of Israel "from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah," suggesting a period of expansion and prosperity for Israel that included influence over Hamath.

Prophetic Literature

The prophets also reference Hamath in their oracles against the nations. In Amos 6:2, the prophet challenges Israel to consider the fate of other powerful cities, including Hamath: "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?" This rhetorical question serves to remind Israel of the transient nature of earthly power and the inevitability of divine judgment.

Similarly, in Zechariah 9:2, Hamath is included in a prophecy concerning the judgment of surrounding nations: "and also upon Hamath, which borders it, and upon Tyre and Sidon, though they are very shrewd." This passage underscores the interconnectedness of the region's cities and their shared destiny under God's sovereign plan.

Cultural and Religious Context

As a Canaanite city, Hamath would have shared in the religious practices common to the region, including the worship of deities such as Baal and Asherah. The biblical narrative often contrasts the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, including the Hamathites, with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

The inclusion of the Hamathites in the Table of Nations and other genealogical records serves to emphasize the comprehensive scope of God's covenant promises and judgments, extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations and peoples.

In summary, the Hamathites, as inhabitants of a key city in the ancient Near East, played a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as both a geographical marker and a symbol of the broader Canaanite culture that Israel was called to confront and ultimately transform through adherence to God's covenant.2577. Chamathi -- descendant of Canaan
... Definition: Hamathite. Word Origin from Chamath Definition desc. of Canaan NASB
Word Usage Hamathite (1), Hamathites (1). Hamathite. Patrial ...
/hebrew/2577.htm - 6kHamathites (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hamathites (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:18 and the
Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite; and afterward ...
/h/hamathites.htm - 6k

Succoth-benoth (1 Occurrence)
... H. Rawlinson's Identification of the Name: The parallelism, however, requires a
deity, like the Nergal of the Cutheans, the Ashima of the Hamathites, etc., and ...
/s/succoth-benoth.htm - 9k

Succothbenoth (1 Occurrence)
... H. Rawlinson's Identification of the Name: The parallelism, however, requires a
deity, like the Nergal of the Cutheans, the Ashima of the Hamathites, etc., and ...
/s/succothbenoth.htm - 9k

Nations (683 Occurrences)
... Among the sons of Canaan are, likewise, the Girgashites, the Arkites and Sinites
near Lebanon, the Arvadites of the coast, and the Hamathites, in whose capital ...
/n/nations.htm - 58k

Table (125 Occurrences)
... Among the sons of Canaan are, likewise, the Girgashites, the Arkites and Sinites
near Lebanon, the Arvadites of the coast, and the Hamathites, in whose capital ...
/t/table.htm - 62k

Ha'mathites (2 Occurrences)
Ha'mathites. Hamathites, Ha'mathites. Hamathzobah . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Hamathites, Ha'mathites. Hamathzobah . Reference Bible.
/h/ha'mathites.htm - 6k

Hamathite (2 Occurrences)

/h/hamathite.htm - 6k

Hamath (36 Occurrences)
... In Isaiah 11:11, mention is made of Israelites in captivity at Hamath, and Hamathites
were among the colonists settled in Samaria (2 Kings 17:24) by Esarhaddon ...
/h/hamath.htm - 25k

Hittites (39 Occurrences)
... replacing them by Babylonians. Two years later he in the same way took the
Hamathites as captives to Assyria. Some of the Hittites ...
/h/hittites.htm - 55k

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