Hamath Zobah
“Hamath of Zobah; the hot enclosure of the host”
Summary
Hamath Zobah was a place on the borders of Palestine conquered by Solomon, likely referring to Hamath when it was under the dominion of the Syrian kingdom of Zobah.
☩Biblical Reference
Hamath Zobah is mentioned only once in Scripture, where it is said to have been attacked and conquered by Solomon. The conjunction of the two names likely indicates that the whole country around Hamath was brought by Solomon under the power of Judah. David's possessions had extended to Hamath and included Zobah, and Solomon probably added Hamath also to his empire.
☩Identification
The place was likely Hamath distinguished from 'Hamath the great' by its association with Zobah. Some scholars suggest that Hamath was a province or city belonging to the Syrian kingdom of Zobah. The name may indicate either a separate Hamath within the territory of Zobah, or simply Hamath when it was included within the broader geographical expression of Aram-Zobah.
Related Verses1 mention
2 Chronicles· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hamath-Zobah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hamathzobah," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Hamathzobah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hamath-Zobah," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).