The Hebrew place name Chammôth Dôʼr, represented by H2576, means hot springs of Dor; Chammath-Dor, a place in Palestine; Hamath-Dor. It is a compound word derived from the plural of חַמָּה and דּוֹר. This term is highly specific, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The sole appearance of Hammothdor H2576 is in Joshua 21:32. The verse details the allocation of Levitical cities from the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. It is listed as one of three H7969 cities H5892 with its suburbs H4054 given to the Levites. The other two cities mentioned in the same list are Kedesh H6943 in Galilee H1551 and Kartan H7178. The passage specifically notes that Kedesh was appointed to be a city H5892 of refuge H4733 for the slayer H7523.
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify its function and location:
- H5321 Naphtâlîy (Naphtali): This refers to the tribe H4294 from which the city was allocated. The name means "my wrestling" and identifies the territory of one of Jacob's sons Joshua 21:32.
- H4294 maṭṭeh (tribe): This word, meaning a branch or rod, is used figuratively to denote a tribe. Its use establishes the context of tribal land division within Israel Joshua 21:32.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This term defines Hammothdor's status as a city, a guarded or established place. It is used for all three locations given from Naphtali in this passage Joshua 21:32.
- H4054 migrâsh (suburb): This word describes the open country or pasture land surrounding a city. Hammothdor, Kedesh, and Kartan were all given "with her suburbs" H4054, indicating provision for the Levites' needs Joshua 21:32.
The theological significance of H2576 is derived entirely from its singular context in the allotment of Levitical cities.
- Divine Provision: The granting of Hammothdor to the Levites illustrates the fulfillment of God's command to provide for the priestly tribe H4294 which, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a large single land inheritance Numbers 35:2.
- System of Order: Its inclusion in a specific list of three H7969 cities from the tribe H4294 of Naphtali H5321 demonstrates the meticulous and orderly nature of the division of the land under Joshua.
- Proximity to Justice: While not a city of refuge itself, Hammothdor is listed immediately after Kedesh H6943, a designated city H5892 of refuge H4733. This places it within the larger biblical system of justice, mercy, and asylum for the slayer H7523 Joshua 21:32.
In summary, Chammôth Dôʼr H2576 is a specific geographical location whose importance is tied to its role in the life of ancient Israel. Mentioned only once, it serves as a historical marker for the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the settlement of the promised land. It represents the provision for the Levites and stands as part of the legal and social structure established for the nation, closely associated with the tribe of Naphtali H5321 and the system of refuge.
TRV