### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chămûwṭal**, represented by `{{H2537}}`, identifies a specific **Israelitess** in the biblical record. The name means "father-in-law of dew." It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in scripture. Its usage is consistently linked to defining the maternal lineage of two of the last kings of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2537}}` is exclusively used to name the **mother** of two kings of Judah. She is identified as the **mother's** name for Jehoahaz [[2 Kings 23:31]]. She is also named as the **mother** of Zedekiah in both [[2 Kings 24:18]] and [[Jeremiah 52:1]]. In every instance, she is further identified as the **daughter** of Jeremiah of Libnah, establishing her specific parentage and place of origin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of `{{H2537}}`:
* `{{H517}}` **ʼêm** (a mother): This word defines Hamutal's primary role in the passages where she is mentioned, establishing the royal lineage of her sons ([[2 Kings 23:31]], [[2 Kings 24:18]], [[Jeremiah 52:1]]).
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This term specifies Hamutal's own lineage, consistently identifying her as the **daughter** of Jeremiah of Libnah [[2 Kings 23:31]]. Figuratively, it can also refer to a city or its people, like the "**daughter** of Zion" [[Zechariah 9:9]].
* `{{H3414}}` **Yirmᵉyâh** (Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah): This is the name of Hamutal's father. While he is from Libnah, other verses show the name belongs to the well-known prophet **Jeremiah**, who received the word of the LORD [[Daniel 9:2]].
* `{{H3841}}` **Libnâh** (Libnah, a place in the Desert and one in Palestine): This identifies Hamutal's hometown. **Libnah** is mentioned as a city of Judah given to the sons of Aaron [[1 Chronicles 6:57]] and was a site of military conflict [[2 Kings 19:8]].
### Theological Significance
The context of `{{H2537}}` carries significant historical weight, highlighting key themes from the final years of the Kingdom of Judah.
* **Royal Maternal Lineage:** The specific naming of the king's **mother** was a standard and important part of the royal chronicles, as seen with Hamutal for both Jehoahaz and Zedekiah ([[2 Kings 23:31]], [[2 Kings 24:18]]). It underscores the importance of precise genealogical records.
* **Connection to Prophetic Times:** Hamutal is identified as the **daughter** of **Jeremiah** of **Libnah** [[Jeremiah 52:1]]. This places her family squarely within the era of the prophet Jeremiah's ministry, a time of dire warnings about Jerusalem's destruction [[Daniel 9:2]].
* **A Family in a Failing Kingdom:** Hamutal was the **mother** of two of Judah's last kings, who reigned for short periods just before the Babylonian exile ([[2 Kings 23:31]], [[2 Kings 24:18]]). Her identity is therefore intrinsically linked to the narrative of Judah's final collapse.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2537}}` **Chămûwṭal** is not a conceptual term but the name of a specific historical figure. Her significance comes entirely from her role as the **mother** of kings Jehoahaz and Zedekiah. The biblical record uses her name to anchor the lineage of these final rulers of Judah, consistently noting her identity as the **daughter** of Jeremiah of Libnah ([[2 Kings 23:31]], [[2 Kings 24:18]], [[Jeremiah 52:1]]). Thus, the name Hamutal serves as a key genealogical marker within the historical account of the kingdom's final days.
TRV