Adama
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Overview:
Adama is a term that appears in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "ground" or "earth." It is derived from the Hebrew root "adam," which means "to be red," reflecting the reddish soil of the region. The term is significant in biblical theology and anthropology, as it is closely related to the creation narrative and the identity of humanity.

Biblical References:
The concept of Adama is most prominently featured in the creation account in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 2:7 , it is written: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." Here, "ground" is translated from the Hebrew "adama," emphasizing the connection between humanity and the earth.

Theological Significance:
Adama is foundational to understanding the biblical view of humanity's origin and nature. The creation of Adam from the dust of the ground signifies humanity's intimate connection to the earth and dependence on God for life. This connection is further underscored by the curse pronounced after the Fall, where God tells Adam in Genesis 3:19 , "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."

Symbolism and Themes:
1. Humanity's Origin and Mortality: The use of Adama highlights the transient and humble beginnings of human life. It serves as a reminder of human mortality and the eventual return to the earth, reinforcing the biblical theme of humility before God.

2. Stewardship of Creation: The connection to Adama also implies a responsibility towards the earth. In Genesis 2:15 , God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," suggesting a divine mandate for stewardship and care for creation.

3. Redemption and Restoration: The theme of Adama is not only about humanity's fall but also points towards redemption. The earth, cursed because of sin, is part of the redemptive plan of God, as seen in the prophetic visions of a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1).

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of humanity being formed from the earth is not unique to the Hebrew Bible. Similar creation motifs are found in other Mesopotamian texts, where humans are fashioned from clay. However, the biblical narrative uniquely emphasizes the personal involvement of God in the creation of humanity, highlighting a relationship that is both intimate and covenantal.

Conclusion:
The term Adama serves as a profound theological symbol within the biblical narrative, encapsulating themes of creation, fall, and redemption. It underscores humanity's connection to the earth, the responsibility of stewardship, and the hope of restoration through God's redemptive work.
Library

Fragment ix. Of Abraham and Lot. ...
... they separated, Lot choosing to dwell in Sodom on account of the fertility and beauty
of the land, which had five cities, Sodom, Gomorrah, Adama, Seboim, Segor ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment ix of abraham and.htm

General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... 302. Crucifixion, as punishment, abolished, [3039]245. Cyriacus, bishop
of Adama, [3040]382. Cyriacus, a deacon, [3041]416. Cyril ...
/.../general index to sozomens ecclesiastical.htm

Thesaurus
Adama (1 Occurrence)
...Adama (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 7:46 He made them of liquid metal in the lowland of
Jordan, at the way across the river, at Adama, between Succoth and Zarethan. ...
/a/adama.htm - 6k

Liquid (15 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 7:46 He made them of liquid metal in the lowland of Jordan, at the
way across the river, at Adama, between Succoth and Zarethan. (BBE). ...
/l/liquid.htm - 11k

Adamah (2 Occurrences)

/a/adamah.htm - 7k

Lowland (34 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 7:46 He made them of liquid metal in the lowland of Jordan, at the
way across the river, at Adama, between Succoth and Zarethan. (BBE). ...
/l/lowland.htm - 19k

Metal (69 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Kings 7:46 He made them of liquid metal in the lowland of Jordan, at
the way across the river, at Adama, between Succoth and Zarethan. (BBE). ...
/m/metal.htm - 30k

River (189 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:46 He made them of liquid metal in the lowland of Jordan, at the way
across the river, at Adama, between Succoth and Zarethan. (BBE). ...
/r/river.htm - 52k

Adam (29 Occurrences)

/a/adam.htm - 63k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Adam: The First Man: Type of Christ
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