Introduction:
Hammeah is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. The name "Hammeah" is often associated with a specific tower or section of the wall. The term itself is derived from the Hebrew word "מֵאָה" (meah), which means "hundred." This entry explores the biblical references to Hammeah and its significance in the historical and religious context of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to Hammeah is found in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 3:1-32 provides a detailed account of the reconstruction process, listing various sections of the wall and the individuals or groups responsible for their repair.

· Nehemiah 3:1 : "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they consecrated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel."

In this passage, the "Tower of the Hundred" is identified as a significant landmark in the rebuilding efforts. The term "Hammeah" is often translated as "the Hundred," indicating a possible reference to a tower or section of the wall that was either 100 cubits in height or length, or perhaps associated with a group of 100 men or soldiers.

Historical and Religious Context:
The Book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, around the 5th century BC, when the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was granted permission to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.

The reconstruction of the walls was not only a practical necessity for the protection of the city but also a symbolic act of restoring the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people. The mention of specific towers and gates, such as Hammeah, underscores the organized and communal effort involved in this monumental task.

Significance of Hammeah:
Hammeah, or the "Tower of the Hundred," holds significance as a testament to the dedication and cooperation of the Jewish community in rebuilding their city. It represents the collective effort to restore Jerusalem as a center of worship and governance. The consecration of the tower by the priests, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:1, highlights the spiritual importance of the reconstruction, as the walls were not only physical barriers but also symbols of divine protection and blessing.

Conclusion:
While the exact details of Hammeah's dimensions or specific historical role remain uncertain, its mention in the Book of Nehemiah serves as a reminder of the resilience and faith of the Jewish people during a pivotal moment in their history. The rebuilding of the walls, including the Tower of the Hundred, reflects a broader theme of restoration and renewal that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.HAMMEAH, THE TOWER OF

ha-me'-a, ham'-e-a (ha-me'ah (Nehemiah 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 has been suggested that it may have been 100 cubits high or had 100 steps. It was the most important point on the walls of Jerusalem in going West from the Sheep Gate, and is mentioned along with the T. of HANANEL (which see) (Nehemiah 3:1), and was therefore near the Northeast corner, and probably stood where the Baris and Antonia afterward were, near the Northwest corner of the charam where are today the Turkish barracks.

See JERUSALEM.

E. W. G. Masterman

Hammeah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAMMEAH, THE TOWER OF. ... See JERUSALEM. EWG
Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Hammeah (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hammeah.htm - 8k

Hananel (4 Occurrences)
... the King James Version Hananeel, ha-nan'e-el): A tower in the walls of Jerusalem
adjoining (Nehemiah 3:1; Nehemiah 12:39) the tower of HAMMEAH (which see). ...
/h/hananel.htm - 9k

Meah (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MEAH. me'-a (me'ah, "hundred"). See HAMMEAH. TOWER
OF MEAH. me'-a. See HAMMEAH. Multi-Version Concordance Meah (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/meah.htm - 7k

Tower (74 Occurrences)
...HAMMEAH, THE TOWER OF. ha-me'-a, ham'-ea (ha-me'ah (Nehemiah 3:1); the King
James Version Meah): The origin of the name is obscure ...
/t/tower.htm - 52k

Hammedatha (5 Occurrences)

/h/hammedatha.htm - 8k

Hammath (2 Occurrences)

/h/hammath.htm - 8k

Jeshanah (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:39 and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish
gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even to the sheep ...
/j/jeshanah.htm - 8k

Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences)
... with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified
it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Hammeah they sanctified ...
/e/eli'ashib.htm - 10k

Eliashib (15 Occurrences)
... rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified
it, and set up its doors; even to the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it ...
/e/eliashib.htm - 13k

Rebuilt (47 Occurrences)
... rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified
it, and set up its doors; even to the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it ...
/r/rebuilt.htm - 20k

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