Hammath חַמַּת
A Kenite clan, descendants of Salma.
Biography
Hammath is mentioned in 1Ch.2.55 as one of the Kenite clans descended from Salma, the father (ie founder) of Bethlehem. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe closely associated with the Israelites, particularly during the time of Moses and the Exodus. Some Kenites, such as Jethro (Moses' father-in-law), played important roles in Israel's history. The mention of Hammath in the genealogy of Judah suggests that this Kenite clan had integrated with the tribe of Judah and settled in or near Bethlehem.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 2:55
"The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חַמַּת | H2575B |
Hammath
(Jos 19:35). It is doubtless identical with Emmaus mentioned by Josephus (Ant., XVIII, ii, 3; BJ, IV, i, 3) as near Tiberias, on the shore of the lake of Gennesareth. It is represented by the modern el-Chammam, nearly 2 miles South of Tiberias. It was, of course, much nearer the ancient Tiberias, which lay South of the present city. The hot baths here, "useful for healing," in the time of Josephus, have maintained their reputation. In recent years, indeed, there has been a marked increase in the number of sick persons from all parts who visit the baths. The waters are esteemed specially valuable for rheumatism and skin troubles. In the large public bath the water has a temperature of over 140 degree Fahr. Parts of the ancient fortification still cling to the mountain side above the baths; and the remains of an aqueduct which brought fresh water from sources in the Southwest may be traced along the face of the slopes. Hammath is identical with Hammon (1Ch 6:76); and probably also with Hammoth-dor (Jos 21:32).
W. Ewing
ha-me'-a, ham'-e-a (ha-me'ah (Ne 3:1); the King James Version Meah): The origin of the name is obscure; in the margin the meaning is given "Tower of the hundred"; it ha