Lexical Summary Amad: To stand, remain, endure, take one's stand Original Word: עַמְעָד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Amad From am and ad; people of time; Amad, a place in Palestine -- Amad. see HEBREW am see HEBREW ad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a place in Asher NASB Translation Amad (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַמְעָד proper name, of a location in Asher, Joshua 19:26, ᵐ5 Αμιηλ, A Αμαδ, ᵐ5L Αλφααδ. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Ammad was one of the border towns within the allotment of Asher (Joshua 19:26). Modern scholarship places it in the fertile coastal hills of northern Israel, several miles southeast of present-day Tyre and northwest of the Jezreel Valley. The surrounding region is characterized by rich soil, abundant olive groves, and access to maritime trade routes—features that harmonize with Asher’s reputation for agricultural abundance. Historical Context The single biblical mention of Ammad occurs in the tribal boundary list given during the division of Canaan under Joshua. Its inclusion testifies to the methodical accuracy with which the conquest generation documented its newly received inheritance. In Israel’s early monarchy and exilic periods the site fell under Phoenician influence, yet the biblical record preserves its Israelite identity, underscoring God’s faithfulness to keep covenant promises despite shifting political landscapes. Role within Asher’s Inheritance Jacob’s blessing, “From Asher shall come rich food, and he shall yield royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20), was later echoed by Moses (Deuteronomy 33:24-25). Ammad contributed to that fulfillment. Located near trade arteries that linked Sidonian ports with inland markets, the town served both agrarian and mercantile purposes. Its placement on Asher’s western flank bordered the Mediterranean corridor, enabling the tribe to exchange produce—especially oil and grain—for exotic goods, thereby enjoying the prosperity foretold. Covenant Significance of Boundary Lists The Spirit-inspired catalogues of Joshua 13–21 are more than geographical footnotes; they proclaim covenant fidelity. Each named town, even a seemingly obscure Ammad, stands as a monument to the oath sworn to Abraham (Genesis 15:18). By citing the town, Scripture authenticates Israel’s historical tenure in the land and reinforces the principle that every promise of God reaches concrete fulfillment (Joshua 21:45). Prophetic Resonance Though Ammad itself is not mentioned in later prophetic or New Testament texts, its presence within Asher’s territory holds prophetic undertones. The eschatological vision of Israel dwelling safely “from the Negev to the northern frontier” (Ezekiel 47:13-23) anticipates a restored tribal allotment where ancient boundaries—Ammad’s included—symbolize the comprehensive restoration to come. Ministry Reflections 1. Stewardship of God-Given Inheritance: Ammad reminds believers that no portion of divine provision is trivial. Like Joshua’s meticulous surveying, Christian stewardship values every resource entrusted by God (1 Corinthians 4:2). Key Reference Joshua 19:26: “Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal were north of Carmel and faced Shihor Libnath; then it turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon and reached to Zebulun and Valley of Iphtahel northward, to Beth Emek and Neiel; it went on north to Cabul.” Summary Though mentioned only once, Ammad anchors the historicity of Israel’s settlement, models God’s precision in keeping promises, and offers lasting theological and pastoral insights for God’s people today. Forms and Transliterations וְעַמְעָ֖ד ועמעד veamAd wə‘am‘āḏ wə·‘am·‘āḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:26 HEB: וְאַֽלַמֶּ֥לֶךְ וְעַמְעָ֖ד וּמִשְׁאָ֑ל וּפָגַ֤ע NAS: and Allammelech and Amad and Mishal; KJV: And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; INT: and Allammelech and Amad and Mishal reached 1 Occurrence |
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