Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ammah is a geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a military pursuit during the reign of King David. The name "Ammah" is derived from a Hebrew word that can mean "a cubit" or "a measure," but in this context, it refers to a specific hill or elevation.Biblical Reference: Ammah is mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:24: "But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and the sun was setting as they came to the hill of Ammah, which is opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon." Historical and Geographical Context: The hill of Ammah is noted in the narrative of the conflict between the forces of David and those loyal to Saul's son, Ish-bosheth. This pursuit occurs after a fierce battle at the pool of Gibeon, where the forces of Joab, David's commander, engage with Abner, the commander of Ish-bosheth's army. The hill of Ammah serves as a geographical marker in this pursuit, indicating a location near Gibeon, which is situated in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. The specific location of Ammah is not precisely identified in modern geography, but its mention alongside Giah suggests it was a known landmark during the time of the united monarchy in Israel. The reference to the wilderness of Gibeon further situates it within the central hill country of ancient Israel, an area characterized by rugged terrain and strategic military significance. Theological Significance: The mention of Ammah in the biblical narrative underscores the ongoing conflict and political instability during the early years of David's reign. The pursuit of Abner by Joab and Abishai highlights the tension between the house of Saul and the rising power of David, who had been anointed king over Judah but was not yet recognized by all Israel. This episode at Ammah also reflects the broader theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. Despite the human conflicts and political maneuverings, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's sovereign hand in establishing David as king, in fulfillment of His covenant promises. Cultural and Literary Aspects: In the literary structure of 2 Samuel, the mention of specific locations like Ammah serves to provide historical authenticity and vividness to the narrative. Such details help readers visualize the events and understand the geographical and strategic considerations of the time. The pursuit to the hill of Ammah also illustrates the relentless nature of ancient warfare and the personal vendettas that often fueled such conflicts. Joab's pursuit of Abner is not merely a military action but is deeply personal, as it follows the death of Joab's brother, Asahel, at the hands of Abner. In summary, Ammah is a minor yet significant geographical reference in the biblical account of the power struggle during the early monarchy in Israel. It serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama of David's rise to power and the eventual unification of the tribes under his leadership. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AmmahSmith's Bible Dictionary Ammah(head), The hill of, A hill facing Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon, named as the point to which Joab pursued Abner (2 Samuel 2:24) Easton's Bible Dictionary A cubit, the name of a hill which Joab and Abishai reached as the sun went down, when they were in pursuit of Abner (2 Samuel 2:24). It lay to the east of Gibeon. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AMMAHam'-a ('ammah, "mother" or "beginning"): A hill in the territory of Benjamin (2 Samuel 2:24), where Joab and Abishai halted at nightfall in their pursuit of Abner and his forces after their victory over him in the battle of Gibeon. It "lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon"; but the exact location has not been identified. The same Hebrew word appears as the second part of Metheg-ammah in 2 Samuel 8:1 the King James Version, but rendered "mother city" in the Revised Version (British and American), probably however not the same place as in 2 Samuel 2:24. Strong's Hebrew 522. Ammah -- a hill in Palestine... 521, 522. Ammah. 522a . a hill in Palestine. Transliteration: Ammah Phonetic Spelling: (am-maw') Short Definition: Ammah. Ammah ... /hebrew/522.htm - 5k 4965. metheg haammah -- Metheg-ammah 522a. Ammah -- a hill in Palestine 521. ammah -- a cubit 522c. ammah -- perhaps a holder 522b. ammah -- a mother city 520. ammah -- an ell, a cubit Library How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Thesaurus Ammah (2 Occurrences)... It lay to the east of Gibeon. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMMAH. am'-a ... 24. Multi-Version Concordance Ammah (2 Occurrences). 2 ... /a/ammah.htm - 8k Metheg-ammah (1 Occurrence) Methegammah (1 Occurrence) Gibeath (2 Occurrences) Meth'eg-am'mah (1 Occurrence) Bit (46 Occurrences) Bridle (12 Occurrences) Cubit (51 Occurrences) Jo'ab (120 Occurrences) Gi'ah (1 Occurrence) Resources How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ammah (2 Occurrences)2 Samuel 2:24 2 Samuel 8:1 Subtopics Related Terms |