Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References: Hammoth-dor is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is referenced in Joshua 21:32 as one of the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Naphtali. Scriptural Context: In the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, certain cities were designated for the Levites, who were the priestly tribe and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given specific cities within the territories of the other tribes. Hammoth-dor is one of these Levitical cities. Geographical Location: Hammoth-dor is located in the region assigned to the tribe of Naphtali. The exact location of Hammoth-dor is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the Sea of Galilee. The name "Hammoth" suggests the presence of hot springs, which aligns with the geographical features of the area. Historical and Cultural Significance: As a Levitical city, Hammoth-dor held religious significance. The Levites were responsible for religious duties and the maintenance of worship practices in Israel. Cities like Hammoth-dor served as centers for teaching the Law and facilitating worship, thus playing a crucial role in the spiritual life of the nation. Related Biblical Themes: 1. Levitical Cities: The allocation of cities to the Levites underscores the importance of maintaining a dedicated priesthood in Israel. The Levites were set apart to serve God and the community, emphasizing the need for spiritual leadership and instruction. 2. Inheritance and Land Distribution: The distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, including the provision for the Levites, reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. It also illustrates the organized and communal nature of Israelite society, where each tribe and family had a designated place. 3. Sanctity and Service: The presence of Levitical cities like Hammoth-dor highlights the theme of sanctity and service to God. The Levites' role in these cities was to ensure that the worship of Yahweh remained central to the life of the Israelites. Archaeological Insights: While Hammoth-dor's precise location remains uncertain, archaeological studies in the region of ancient Naphtali have uncovered sites with evidence of ancient settlements and religious activity. These findings contribute to our understanding of the historical context in which cities like Hammoth-dor existed. Conclusion: Hammoth-dor, as a Levitical city, played a vital role in the religious and communal life of ancient Israel. Its mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicated spaces for worship and the centrality of spiritual leadership in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. Easton's Bible Dictionary Warm springs, a Levitical city of Naphtali (Joshua 21:32); probably Hammath in 19:35. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAMMOTH-DORham-oth-dor' (chammoth do'r; Emathdor, as also several corrupt forms): A fenced, Levitical city of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35; Joshua 21:32); also named Hammen (1 Chronicles 6:61 Hebrew). Probably the hammatu of the Karnak lists, and the hamatam of WAI, II, 53; certainly the Emmaus of Josephus, Ant, XVIII, ii, 3; BJ, IV, i, 3; Hamata of `Erubhin v. 5; Meghillah 2b, and the modern el-Hammam, 1 1/2 miles South of Tiberias. The name signifies "hot springs," and these, 4 in number, still exist. They have a temperature of 144 degree F., are salt and bitter in taste and sulfurous in smell. Considered invaluable for rheumatism, they are crowded in June and July. This health-giving reputation is of ancient date. It is mentioned in Josephus, BJ, IV, i, 3; and a coin of Tiberias of the reign of Trajan depicts Hygeia sitting on a rock beside the springs, feeding the serpent of Aesculapius. Being used for pleasure also, they were permitted to the Jew on the Sabbath, whereas had they been used only medicinally, they would have been forbidden (Babylonian Talmud, Shab 109a; compare Matthew 12:10). Strong's Hebrew 2576. Chammoth Dor -- a Levitical city in Naphtali... Chammoth Dor. 2577 . a Levitical city in Naphtali. Transliteration: Chammoth Dor Phonetic Spelling: (kham-moth' dore) Short Definition: Hammoth-dor. ... /hebrew/2576.htm - 6k Thesaurus Hammoth-dor (1 Occurrence)Hammoth-dor. Hammothdor, Hammoth-dor. Ham'moth-dor . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... Hammothdor, Hammoth-dor. Ham'moth-dor . Reference Bible. /h/hammoth-dor.htm - 8k Hammothdor (1 Occurrence) Ham'moth-dor (1 Occurrence) Hammoth (1 Occurrence) Naphtali (51 Occurrences) Kartan (1 Occurrence) Naph'tali (47 Occurrences) Grass-lands (42 Occurrences) Pasturelands (42 Occurrences) Kedesh (12 Occurrences) Resources How long is a generation in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Israelites take the Canaanites as slaves instead of destroying them as they were instructed? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hammoth-dor (1 Occurrence)Joshua 21:32 Subtopics Hammoth-Dor: A City of Refuge of the Tribe of Naphtali Hammoth-Dor: Possibly Identical With Hammath Related Terms |