### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chămâth** `{{H2574}}`, meaning **walled**, refers to a significant city and region in Syria. It appears **37 times** across **35 unique verses** in Scripture, often under the spelling Hamath or Hemath. It primarily functions as a major geographical landmark, representing a key northern city-state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2574}}` is most frequently used to define the northern boundary of the land of Israel. The phrase "the entering in of Hamath" serves as a standard marker for the northern extent of the territory, from the time of the spies [[Numbers 13:21]] to the reigns of Solomon [[1 Kings 8:65]] and Jeroboam II [[2 Kings 14:25]]. It was also a site of significant political and military events. The king of Assyria brought people from Hamath to resettle Samaria after conquering the northern kingdom [[2 Kings 17:24]], and the city of Riblah in the land of Hamath became the location where the king of Babylon passed judgment on the last kings of Judah ([[Jeremiah 39:5]]; [[Jeremiah 52:27]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and context of Hamath:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This term is frequently used in connection with Hamath to delineate the boundaries of Israel and surrounding territories ([[Ezekiel 47:16]], [[Numbers 34:8]]).
* `{{H7247}}` **Riblâh** (Riblah): A city located "in the land of Hamath" that served as a military headquarters for foreign kings and was the site of judgment for the kings of Judah [[2 Kings 25:21]].
* `{{H1834}}` **Dammeseq** (Damascus): As another major Syrian city, Damascus is often mentioned alongside Hamath, sometimes as an ally, a neighbor, or a comparable power ([[Isaiah 10:9]]; [[Ezekiel 48:1]]).
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): In a unique genealogical reference, Hemath `{{H2574}}` is named as the "father of the **house** of Rechab" [[1 Chronicles 2:55]].
### Theological Significance
The strategic placement of `{{H2574}}` gives it significant weight in the scriptural account, highlighting several key themes:
* **Covenantal Boundaries:** The repeated mention of "the entering in of Hamath" defines the northern limit of the land God promised and, at times, gave to Israel. It represents the fullest extent of the promised inheritance ([[Joshua 13:5]], [[2 Chronicles 7:8]]).
* **Gentile Power:** Hamath existed as a gentile **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` with its own king [[2 Samuel 8:9]] and gods, such as **Ashima** `{{H807}}`, which was brought into Samaria [[2 Kings 17:30]]. Its interactions with Israel are often in the context of international politics and warfare.
* **Place of Judgment and Exile:** For Judah, the "land of Hamath" became a place of profound defeat and judgment, where their kings were deposed and killed by the king of Babylon, leading to the captivity [[Jeremiah 52:27]].
* **Hope of Restoration:** In prophetic passages, Hamath is included in the list of places from which the LORD will regather the remnant of His people, Israel, signifying the comprehensive scope of God's future restoration [[Isaiah 11:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2574}}` is far more than a name on a map. It serves as a vital geographic and political landmark throughout the Old Testament. It defines the northern border of the promised land, acts as a representative of gentile power, becomes a stage for divine judgment upon Israel's unfaithful leadership, and is ultimately included in the prophetic hope for the final regathering of God's people.
TRV