### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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