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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Hamathite" refers to the inhabitants of Hamath, an ancient city located in the region that is now part of modern-day Syria. Hamath is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, as a significant city-state and a point of reference for the northern boundary of the Promised Land.

Biblical References:

1.Genesis 10:18 · The Hamathites are listed among the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. This genealogical record places the Hamathites within the broader context of the Canaanite tribes: "Arvadites, Zemarites, and Hamathites."

2.Numbers 13:21 · During the exploration of Canaan by the Israelite spies, the land of Hamath is mentioned as part of their journey: "So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath."

3.Joshua 13:5 · In the delineation of the land yet to be conquered, the territory of the Hamathites is noted: "the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath."

4.1 Kings 8:65 · During the dedication of the Temple, Solomon's celebration extended to the region of Hamath: "So Solomon observed the feast at that time, and all Israel with him—a great assembly from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—before the LORD our God, for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all."

5.2 Kings 14:25 · The northern boundary of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II is described as extending to Hamath: "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher."

6.Amos 6:14 · The prophet Amos warns of impending judgment, mentioning Hamath as a point of reference for Israel's borders: "For behold, I will raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel, declares the LORD, the God of Hosts, and they will oppress you from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of the Arabah."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Hamath was a prominent city in the ancient Near East, strategically located on the Orontes River. It served as a significant trade and military hub due to its position along major routes connecting Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Egypt. The city is known to have been a center of Hittite culture and later came under the influence of the Arameans.

Throughout biblical history, Hamath is often associated with the northern limits of the territories promised to the Israelites. Its mention in various biblical texts underscores its importance as a geographical marker and its role in the broader narrative of Israel's history.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the references to Hamath and its inhabitants highlight the extent of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. The inclusion of Hamath in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of God's covenantal promises and the fulfillment of His word through the expansion of Israel's borders during periods of obedience and faithfulness.

The prophetic mentions of Hamath, particularly in the context of judgment, serve as a warning to Israel about the consequences of disobedience and the certainty of divine justice. The city of Hamath, therefore, stands as both a symbol of God's promises and a testament to His righteous judgment.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The Hamathite

one of the families descended from Canaan, named last in the list. (Genesis 10:18;1 Chronicles 1:16)

Strong's Hebrew

2577. Chamathi -- descendant of Canaan
... 2576, 2577. Chamathi. 2578 . descendant of Canaan. Transliteration: Chamathi
Phonetic Spelling: (kham-aw-thee') Short Definition:Hamathite....Hamathite....

Library

Chapter x
... and Heth and the Jebusite and the Amorite and the Girgashite and the Hivite and
the Arkite and the Sinite and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and theHamathite....

[Endnotes]
... Philistim. Sinite, Hadoram, " Arvadite, Uzal, " Zemarite, Diklah, "Hamathite. Obal, "
Abimael, " Sheba, " Ophir, " Havilah, " Jobab. ". JAPHETH. Gomer, Magog....