Hammath standard
(Jos 19:35). It is doubtless identical with Emmaus mentioned by Josephus (Ant., XVIII, ii, 3; BJ, IV, i, 3) as near Tiberias, on the shore of the lake of Gennesareth.
Where is Hammath in the Bible?
Hammath was a fortified city located in the territory of Naphtali in northern Israel, near the Sea of Galilee. According to Joshua 19:35 and 21:32, it was allotted to the Levites as one of their designated cities. The site is identified with the modern location of el-Chammam, approximately two miles south of Tiberias on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and was known in ancient times for its therapeutic hot springs. Josephus referred to the city as Emmaus and noted the healing properties of its waters, a reputation the hot springs have maintained throughout history.
In Scripture1 biblical book; 1 with study content
- Joshua
Hammath
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)(Jos 19:35). It is doubtless identical with Emmaus mentioned by Josephus (Ant., XVIII, ii, 3; BJ, IV, i, 3) as near Tiberias, on the shore of the lake of Gennesareth. It is represented by the modern el-Chammam, nearly 2 miles South of Tiberias. It was, of course, much nearer the ancient Tiberias, which lay South of the present city. The hot baths here, "useful for healing," in the time of Josephus, have maintained their reputation. In recent years, indeed, there has been a marked increase in the number of sick persons from all parts who visit the baths. The waters are esteemed specially valuable for rheumatism and skin troubles. In the large public bath the water has a temperature of over 140 degree Fahr. Parts of the ancient fortification still cling to the mountain side above the baths; and the remains of an aqueduct which brought fresh water from sources in the Southwest may be traced along the face of the slopes. Hammath is identical with Hammon (1Ch 6:76); and probably also with Hammoth-dor (Jos 21:32).
W. Ewing
ha-me'-a, ham'-e-a (ha-me'ah (Ne 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 ha