Lexical Summary
Chamathi: Hamathite
Original Word: חֲמָתִי
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: Chamathiy
Pronunciation: kham-aw-thee'
Phonetic Spelling: (kham-aw-thee')
KJV: Hamathite
NASB: Hamathite, Hamathites
Word Origin: [patrial from H2574 (חֲמָת - Hamath)]
1. a Chamathite or native of Chamath
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Hamathite
Patrial from Chamath; a Chamathite or native of Chamath -- Hamathite.
see HEBREW Chamath
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
ChamathDefinitiondesc. of Canaan
NASB TranslationHamathite (1), Hamathites (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
with article = substantive , as descendants of Canaan
Genesis 10:18 =
1 Chronicles 1:16.
Topical Lexicon
Biblical Occurrences Hamathite appears twice, both times in genealogical lists that trace the descendants of Canaan: Genesis 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 1:16. In each instance the Hamathites are named among other Canaanite clans and city-states. “And the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites” (Genesis 10:18).
Geographical and Historical Background
Hamath was the principal city on the Orontes River in what is now western Syria. Situated at a strategic crossroads between Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the coastal Levant, it controlled trade routes linking the Euphrates valley with Phoenician ports. Archaeology identifies the site with modern Hama, revealing continuous occupation, fortifications, and waterworks that underscore its regional importance from the second millennium BC onward.
Role within the Table of Nations
In both Genesis and Chronicles the Hamathite is catalogued under the descendants of Canaan, son of Ham. The Table of Nations (Genesis 10) establishes the ethnic map after the Flood and anticipates later interactions between Israel and surrounding peoples. By placing Hamath within Canaan’s line, Scripture presents the Hamathites as part of the broader group whose land would be promised to Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 15:18–21).
Interaction with Israel
Although the ethnic term “Hamathite” itself is limited to the genealogies, the city of Hamath is referenced frequently:
• Numbers 34:8 includes “Hamath” in the description of Israel’s ideal northern border.
• 2 Samuel 8:9-10 records peaceful diplomatic exchange between King David and Toi of Hamath after David defeated their mutual enemy Hadadezer.
• 2 Kings 14:25 and Amos 6:2 mention “Lebo-hamath,” the entrance of Hamath, marking the extent of Israelite influence under Jeroboam II.
• Prophets such as Jeremiah (Jeremiah 49:23) and Zechariah (Zechariah 9:2) list Hamath among cities facing judgment, indicating its ongoing regional stature.
These passages show that Hamath could be either ally or adversary, depending on the covenant faithfulness of Israel’s leaders and people.
Prophetic and Theological Significance
1. Territorial Promise: By linking Hamath to Israel’s northern frontier, God’s covenant promises display geographic breadth, reinforcing the theme that the Lord determines national boundaries (Acts 17:26).
2. Universal Accountability: Prophecies against Hamath affirm that all nations are subject to divine judgment, not only Israel.
3. Gospel Foreshadowing: The inclusion of diverse peoples such as the Hamathites in Scripture’s genealogies anticipates the gathering of “every tribe and tongue” into Christ’s kingdom (Revelation 7:9).
Lessons for Ministry and Faith
• Genealogies Matter: Even brief ethnonyms testify that God oversees history down to clan and city.
• Strategic Stewardship: Hamath’s control of trade routes illustrates how cities can leverage location for influence—an example for believers to use God-given resources missionally.
• Borders and Blessing: Scriptural references to Hamath frame Israel’s borders within God’s covenant, reminding modern readers that security and expansion come from divine favor rather than human ambition.
• Intercession for the Nations: Prophetic words concerning Hamath encourage the church to pray for today’s cities of similar strategic importance, trusting God’s redemptive purposes.
See Also
Hamath; Lebo-hamath; Canaan; Table of Nations; Orontes River
Forms and Transliterations
הַֽחֲמָתִ֑י הַֽחֲמָתִֽי׃ החמתי החמתי׃ ha·ḥă·mā·ṯî hachamaTi haḥămāṯî
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