Admah
“Earth or red earth”
Summary
One of the five cities of the plain in the vale of Siddim that was destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah due to its wickedness.
☩Identity and Location
Admah was one of the five cities in the fertile vale of Siddim, along with Sodom, Gomorrah, Zeboim, and Zoar. It had its own king, Shinab, who joined the alliance against Chedorlaomer and was defeated in battle. The city was located somewhere near the southern end of the Dead Sea, though its exact position remains unknown.
☩Destruction
Admah was destroyed by divine judgment along with Sodom and Gomorrah, becoming a byword for total devastation. Moses referenced its fate alongside Zeboim when warning Israel of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. The prophet Hosea invoked its name when God expressed His reluctance to destroy Ephraim with similar severity, demonstrating His compassionate nature even toward a rebellious people.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Admah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Admah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Admah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).