Hammelech is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the prophetic and historical narratives. The term "Hammelech" is often understood to mean "the king" in Hebrew, and it is used as a title rather than a personal name. This designation appears in the context of identifying certain individuals in relation to the reigning monarch, particularly in the books of Jeremiah and 2 Kings.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 36:26 : "And the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD had hidden them." In this passage, the term "Hammelech" is translated as "the king," referring to the father of Jerahmeel. This indicates that Jerahmeel was of royal lineage, being the son of the king, although the specific king is not named in this context.

2. Jeremiah 38:6 : "So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud." Here, "Malchiah, the king’s son" is another instance where "Hammelech" is implied, suggesting Malchiah's royal descent. The narrative highlights the peril faced by the prophet Jeremiah during the reign of King Zedekiah.

3. 2 Kings 25:25 : "But in the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood, came with ten men and struck down Gedaliah and killed him, along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah." Although the term "Hammelech" is not directly used here, the context of royal lineage is similar, as Ishmael is described as being of royal blood, indicating a connection to the kingly line.

Historical and Theological Context:

The use of "Hammelech" in these passages underscores the complex political and familial dynamics within the royal court of Judah during the tumultuous period leading up to and including the Babylonian exile. The individuals associated with this title were often involved in significant events that shaped the history of Judah, particularly during the reigns of the last kings of Judah.

From a theological perspective, the narratives involving "Hammelech" highlight the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and rulers. Despite the political machinations and the apparent power of earthly kings, the biblical text consistently points to God's ultimate authority and His protection of His prophets, as seen in the preservation of Jeremiah despite the king's orders.

Interpretation and Significance:

The mention of "Hammelech" serves as a reminder of the human tendency to seek power and influence, often at the expense of righteousness and justice. The biblical accounts involving these royal figures illustrate the moral and spiritual challenges faced by those in positions of authority. For believers, these accounts offer lessons on the importance of faithfulness to God's word and the courage to stand for truth, even in the face of opposition from powerful figures.

In summary, "Hammelech" is a term that signifies royal association and is used in the Old Testament to describe individuals connected to the kingly line. The narratives involving these figures provide insight into the historical and spiritual landscape of ancient Judah, emphasizing God's providence and the enduring call to righteousness.Hammelech

a king; a counselor

Hammelech

lit. "the king, " unnecessarily rendered in the Authorized Version as a proper name. (Jeremiah 36:26; 38:6)

The king's, the father of Jerahmeel, mentioned in Jeremiah 36:26. Some take this word as a common noun, "the king", and understand that Jerahmeel was Jehoiakim's son. Probably, however, it is to be taken as a proper name. HAMMELECH

ham'-e-lek (ha-melekh, "the king"): Wrongly translated as a proper name in the King James Version. It should be rendered "the king," as in the American Standard Revised Version (Jeremiah 36:26; Jeremiah 38:6).

4429. Melek -- a Benjamite
... Melech, Hammelech. The same as melek; king; Melek, the name of two Israelites --
Melech, Hammelech (by including the article). see HEBREW melek. 4428, 4429. ...
/hebrew/4429.htm - 6k

Carried Captive into Babylon
... The prophet was cast "into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was
in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

The Geometry of Prayer
... Where were those depths dug? And how deep were they? Were they like the dungeon
of Malchiah, the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison? Oh no! ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/ii the geometry of prayer.htm

Hammelech (2 Occurrences)
...HAMMELECH. ham'-e-lek (ha-melekh, "the king"): Wrongly translated as a proper
name in the King James Version. ...Hammelech (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hammelech.htm - 7k

Jerahmeel (9 Occurrences)
... (3.) Son of Hammelech (Jeremiah 36:26). ... the Revised Version margin, the King James
Version have "son of Hammelech," taking the word ha-melek as a proper name. ...
/j/jerahmeel.htm - 11k

Jerahmeelites (2 Occurrences)
... 36:26). the Revised Version margin, the King James Version have "son of
Hammelech," taking the word ha-melek as a proper name. He ...
/j/jerahmeelites.htm - 9k

Malchiah (10 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah
the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down ...
/m/malchiah.htm - 10k

Sunk (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah
the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down ...
/s/sunk.htm - 12k

Hammelek (1 Occurrence)

/h/hammelek.htm - 6k

Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences)
Hammeda'tha. Hammedatha, Hammeda'tha. Hammelech . Multi-Version Concordance
Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences). ... Hammedatha, Hammeda'tha. Hammelech . Reference ...
/h/hammeda'tha.htm - 7k

Joash (49 Occurrences)
... (2) Called "the king's son" (1 Kings 22:26 2 Chronicles 18:25; compare Jeremiah
36:26; Jeremiah 38:6), or, less probably, "the son of Hammelech," the Revised ...
/j/joash.htm - 41k

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