### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chammath**, represented by `{{H2575}}`, refers to a specific place in Palestine, with a name meaning **hot springs**. According to biblical records, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its sole mention lists it among a group of fortified urban centers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2575}}` appears in the context of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel. The single verse where it is found lists **Hammath** as one of the **fenced cities** assigned to the tribe of Naphtali, alongside other locations like Ziddim, Zer, and Chinnereth [[Joshua 19:35]]. This identifies it not just as a geographical location, but as a place of strategic importance and established settlement.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its only appearance provide a clearer picture of its character as a settlement:
* `{{H4013}}` **mibtsâr** (fenced, fortress, strong hold): This word describes **Hammath** as a **fortification**, a castle, or fortified city. This term is also used to describe the prophet Jeremiah being made into a "defenced **city**" by God, signifying divine protection and strength [[Jeremiah 1:18]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city, town): This is the general term for **city** used in the list where **Hammath** appears. It signifies a guarded place or encampment and is used throughout scripture to refer to both human settlements and the "holy **city**" of God [[Daniel 9:24]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2575}}` itself is a place name, the context of it being a "fenced city" connects it to broader biblical themes of security and sovereignty.
* **Human Security and Divine Providence:** Fenced cities represent human attempts to establish security. However, scripture repeatedly emphasizes that true security comes from the Lord, noting that "except the LORD keep the **city**, the watchman waketh but in vain" [[Psalms 127:1]]. The trust placed in these fortified cities could be a source of false confidence [[Jeremiah 5:17]].
* **Objects of Divine Judgment:** The security of a stronghold is subject to God's authority. The Lord is depicted as throwing down the "strong holds" of Judah in his wrath [[Lamentations 2:2]] and causing fortresses to be spoiled as a form of judgment [[Hosea 10:14]].
* **A Metaphor for God's People:** The image of a "defenced **city**" is used metaphorically for a person fortified by God. God declares that he has made his prophet a "defenced **city**... against the whole land," indicating a divinely granted resilience [[Jeremiah 1:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2575}}` is the proper name **Hammath**, a location mentioned once in scripture as a "fenced city." Although its direct usage is limited, its context connects it to the significant biblical concepts of cities and fortresses. These structures serve as powerful symbols of both human security and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who alone can build, protect, or bring down any stronghold.
TRV