### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chammôwn**, represented by `{{H2540}}`, is the proper name for two places in Palestine. Its name is derived from a root meaning "warm spring". It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, identifying specific locations within the biblical geography of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2540}}` is used exclusively as a proper name for two distinct towns. One **Hammon** is mentioned in a list of cities that includes **Hebron** `{{H5683}}`, **Rehob** `{{H7340}}`, and **Kanah** `{{H7071}}`, near great **Zidon** `{{H6721}}` [[Joshua 19:28]]. The second location named **Hammon** was a Levitical city within the territory of the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}`, given to the Levites along with its suburbs [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographical and tribal context for the locations of **Hammon**:
* `{{H5321}}` **Naphtâlîy** (my wrestling; Naphtali): One of the two towns named Hammon was located within the territory of this tribe descended from a son of Jacob [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
* `{{H1551}}` **Gâlîyl** (a circle; Galilee): The Hammon in Naphtali was located in this northern region of Palestine, a special circuit of land [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
* `{{H4294}}` **maṭṭeh** (a branch; a tribe): This word is used to identify the tribal division, such as the **tribe** of Naphtali, where one Hammon was situated [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
* `{{H6721}}` **Tsîydôwn** (fishery; Sidon, Zidon): This major city serves as a landmark to help locate one of the towns named Hammon [[Joshua 19:28]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2540}}` is primarily geographical and administrative within the history of Israel.
* **Defining Territory:** The name **Hammon** is used in the critical process of delineating land. It is included in a list of cities recorded in the book of Joshua [[Joshua 19:28]], and is also explicitly identified as a city within the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
* **Levitical Provision:** One of the two towns named **Hammon** was designated as a city for the Levites, given from the land of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` [[1 Chronicles 6:76]]. This highlights its role in the system established to support the priestly tribe.
* **Northern Boundary Marker:** Both locations are situated in the northern region of Palestine. One is placed near the prominent coastal city of **Zidon** `{{H6721}}` [[Joshua 19:28]], while the other is explicitly located in **Galilee** `{{H1551}}` [[1 Chronicles 6:76]], marking it as part of Israel's northern territory.
### Summary
In summary, **Chammôwn** `{{H2540}}` is not a common noun but the specific name of two towns in ancient Palestine. While its base meaning suggests "warm spring," its biblical role is purely geographical. Its two appearances are significant for mapping Israel's cities and tribal lands, with one town being located within **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` and designated as a Levitical city ([[Joshua 19:28]]; [[1 Chronicles 6:76]]). The name serves as a precise marker in the administrative and religious geography of ancient Israel.
TRV