Hamath, Hemath
Hamath, Hemath
[Hamath’]
District and a noted city in the north of Syria. We read of the HAMATHITE as early as Gen 10:18. The district lay north of the Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon, but perhaps extended southward, as the northern border of Israel is spoken of as ‘the entering in of Hamath.’ 1Ki 8:65. Toi, king of Hamath, sent to congratulate David on his victory over Hadadezer. It was more than a hundred miles farther north than Dan, but it became tributary to Solomon and he built store cities there. 2Ch 8:4. On the death of Solomon it appears to have gained its independence, for it was recovered by Jeroboam II. 2Ki 14:28. It afterwards fell into the hands of the Assyrians. Jer 52:9; Jer 52:27.
Antiochus Epiphanes changed its name to Epiphaneia, which name appears on some maps. It is now called Hamah. The river Orontes runs through the city. It is so far removed from the path of ordinary travellers (35 12′ N, 36 38′ E) that it retains its ancient customs and pride, along with its poverty and fanaticism. The district is mentioned in the future division of the land. Eze 47:16-17; Eze 47:20; Eze 48:1; Amo 6:14; Zec 9:2. In Amo 6:2 it is called HAMATH THE GREAT.