or חֲמִיטַל; from חָם and טַל; father-in-law of dew; Chamutal or Chamital, an Israelitess; Hamutal.
Transliteration:Chămûwṭal
Pronunciation:kham-oo-tal'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲמוּטַל (Chamuwṭal), Strong's `{{H2537}}`, is a proper name, specifically an anthroponym. Its etymological derivation is provided as a compound of two Hebrew roots: חָם (châm), meaning "father-in-law" (related to `{{H2524}}` and `{{H2526}}`), and טַל (ṭal), meaning "dew" (`{{H2919}}`). Thus, the name literally translates to "father-in-law of dew." This etymological meaning describes the name's origin but does not necessarily convey a direct semantic range for the individual bearing it beyond their identity. The definition also notes an alternative spelling, חֲמִיטַל (Chamital). As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently restricted to the specific person or persons identified by this name within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hamutal appears exclusively in the historical books of the Old Testament, identifying a significant figure in the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah. She is identified as the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah and the wife of King Josiah. Her primary significance in the biblical narrative stems from her role as the mother of two Judahite kings: Jehoahaz and Zedekiah.
* In [[2 Kings 23:31]], Hamutal is introduced as the mother of Jehoahaz, who succeeded Josiah as king. Her lineage is noted: "His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah." Jehoahaz reigned for only three months before being deposed by Pharaoh Neco and dying in Egypt.
* In [[2 Kings 24:18]], she is again mentioned as the mother of Zedekiah, who was appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar after the first deportation to Babylon. The text states, "His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah." Zedekiah's reign was marked by disobedience and rebellion against Babylon, leading to the final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
* The parallel account in [[Jeremiah 52:1]] reiterates Zedekiah's parentage, confirming Hamutal's identity: "His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah."
In all occurrences, Hamutal is not an active participant in the narrative but serves a crucial genealogical function, establishing the maternal lineage of two pivotal, albeit tragic, kings who reigned during Judah's decline and ultimate fall. Her mention underscores the importance of royal lineage and the specific family connections that shaped the final years of the Davidic monarchy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of חֲמוּטַל connect it to broader biblical concepts.
* חָם (châm, `{{H2524}}`, `{{H2526}}`): "father-in-law." This root highlights kinship ties, familial relationships, and the patriarchal structures prevalent in ancient Israelite society. The role of a father-in-law often implied authority, protection, and inter-familial bonds.
* טַל (ṭal, `{{H2919}}`): "dew." This word frequently appears in Scripture, often symbolizing divine blessing, refreshment, abundance, and life-giving provision in a dry land (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 33:28]], [[Psalm 133:3]], [[Hosea 14:5]]). It can also represent transience or the mysterious nature of divine action.
While the name "father-in-law of dew" carries these rich connotations, it is important to note that the biblical text does not explicitly link these etymological meanings to Hamutal's character or actions. Her relatedness to other concepts stems more from her historical context:
* Monarchy: Her connection to King Josiah and her sons, Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, places her firmly within the narrative of the Judahite monarchy and the Davidic covenant.
* Lineage: Her role as a mother in the royal line highlights the significance of genealogy in biblical accounts, particularly concerning the kings of Judah.
* Exile: Her sons' reigns directly precede and contribute to the Babylonian Exile, making her a figure indirectly associated with this major theological event.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Hamutal herself does not embody a direct theological concept or doctrine. Her significance is primarily historical and genealogical within the broader biblical narrative of the decline and fall of the Kingdom of Judah.
* She serves as a vital link in the royal lineage of Judah, connecting the righteous King Josiah to his two sons who reigned after him. This highlights the continuity and eventual failure of the Davidic line in the face of widespread apostasy.
* The reigns of her sons, Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, are presented as periods of unrighteousness and disobedience, directly leading to divine judgment and the Babylonian Exile. In this sense, Hamutal, as their mother, is indirectly associated with the tragic culmination of Judah's history, which serves as a profound theological lesson on the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
* While the name's etymology, "father-in-law of dew," is intriguing, the biblical text does not draw any explicit theological parallels between the meaning of her name and her character or the events surrounding her. The "dew" motif, often signifying blessing or divine provision, stands in stark contrast to the judgment and devastation that characterized her sons' reigns. This disjunction might subtly underscore the idea that even those connected to sources of blessing (like the Davidic line) can fall due to their own unrighteousness. Her presence in the narrative serves to ground the historical record of the last kings of Judah, emphasizing their human origins and the specific family dynamics within the royal court.
### Summary
Hamutal (`{{H2537}}`, חֲמוּטַל), meaning "father-in-law of dew," is a proper name identifying the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah and one of King Josiah's wives. She is primarily known as the mother of two of Judah's last kings, Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, whose reigns led to the kingdom's downfall and the Babylonian Exile. Her biblical occurrences are limited to genealogical references in [[2 Kings 23:31]], [[2 Kings 24:18]], and [[Jeremiah 52:1]]. While her name carries rich etymological connotations of family and divine blessing, the biblical text does not attribute specific theological significance to her character or actions. Rather, her importance lies in her historical and genealogical role within the royal lineage, connecting the righteous Josiah to his unrighteous sons and thus implicitly highlighting the themes of covenant unfaithfulness, divine judgment, and the tragic end of the Judahite monarchy.
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