from the same as חוֹמָה; walled; Chamath, a place in Syria; Hamath, Hemath.
Transliteration:Chămâth
Pronunciation:kham-awth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲמָת (Chamath, `{{H2574}}`) is derived from a root related to חוֹמָה (chomah, `{{H2346}}`), meaning "wall" or "walled city." Therefore, its core meaning points to a fortified or "walled" place. Semantically, it functions almost exclusively as a proper noun, referring to a specific, historically attested city-state in Syria. It does not possess a broad range of abstract meanings but rather denotes a geographical and political entity known for its fortifications and strategic location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chamath (חֲמָת) appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in geographical and historical contexts. It is consistently identified as a significant city-state located in what is modern-day Syria, situated on the Orontes River. Biblically, Chamath often serves as a northern boundary marker for the ideal extent of Israelite territory, as seen in passages like [[Numbers 13:21]], [[Numbers 34:8]], [[Joshua 13:5]], and [[Judges 3:3]]. The phrase "entrance of Hamath" or "Lebo-Hamath" (לבוא חמת) signifies the northernmost reach of the promised land or Israelite influence.
During the united monarchy, King David's campaigns brought him into contact with Chamath. [[2 Samuel 8:9-10]] and [[1 Chronicles 18:9-10]] describe Toi (or Tou) of Hamath sending gifts to David after David defeated Hadadezer, indicating Chamath's independent status and strategic importance in regional politics. In the divided monarchy, Chamath's relationship with Israel and Judah varied. King Jeroboam II of Israel is credited with restoring Israel's border "from Lebo-Hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah" ([[2 Kings 14:25]]), suggesting a period of Israelite influence or control up to this traditional northern boundary.
However, Chamath eventually fell under Assyrian domination. The Assyrian king Sargon II boasted of conquering Hamath, and its inhabitants were among those deported and resettled in Samaria after the fall of the Northern Kingdom ([[2 Kings 17:24]], [[Isaiah 10:9]]). This highlights Chamath's role in the geopolitical shifts of the ancient Near East and its vulnerability to imperial powers. Prophetic texts also mention Chamath, often in lists of nations subject to divine judgment or restoration, reinforcing its status as a recognized entity (e.g., [[Amos 6:2]], [[Zechariah 9:2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is חוֹמָה (chomah, `{{H2346}}`), meaning "wall." This connection underscores the etymological understanding of Chamath as a "walled" or "fortified" city. Conceptually, Chamath is linked to other significant ancient Near Eastern city-states and empires, such as Assyria, Aram, and Egypt, as its history is intertwined with their rise and fall. It is often mentioned in conjunction with other geographical markers defining the extent of the land of Israel, such as Dan, Zidon, and the "entrance of Hamath" (Lebo-Hamath). The idea of "boundaries" and "borders" is intrinsically tied to Chamath, as it frequently marks the northern limit of the promised land or the sphere of Israelite influence.
### Theological Significance
While Chamath itself is a geographical proper noun and not a theological concept, its consistent mention in biblical texts carries indirect theological significance.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The rise and fall of Chamath, particularly its subjugation by Assyria, illustrates God's sovereign control over the destinies of nations, even those outside the direct covenant people. [[Isaiah 10:9-11]] portrays Assyria as God's instrument, even as Assyria boasts of its own power, implicitly including its conquest of Chamath.
* **The Extent of the Promised Land:** Chamath's role as a northern boundary marker for the ideal Israelite territory (e.g., [[Numbers 34:8]]) speaks to God's promise of land to Abraham's descendants. The failure to consistently occupy this full extent often reflects Israel's disobedience or lack of faith, highlighting a theological tension between divine promise and human failure.
* **Prophetic Judgment and Hope:** Chamath's inclusion in prophetic oracles (e.g., [[Amos 6:2]], [[Zechariah 9:2]]) signifies its place within the broader scope of God's redemptive and judgmental plans for the world. Even distant nations are within the purview of God's justice and ultimate restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma חֲמָת (Chamath, `{{H2574}}`) primarily denotes a significant ancient city-state in Syria, etymologically linked to the concept of a "walled" or "fortified" place. Biblically, Chamath serves as a crucial geographical marker, often defining the northern boundary of the ideal Israelite territory. Its historical interactions with Israel, Judah, and major imperial powers like Assyria highlight its strategic importance in the ancient Near East. Theologically, Chamath's narrative underscores God's sovereignty over all nations, the scope of the divine land promise to Israel, and the universal reach of prophetic judgment and hope. Its consistent appearance in historical, geographical, and prophetic contexts solidifies its role as a key reference point in the biblical narrative.
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