Hemath

Hemath is an alternative spelling of Hamath, the major Aramean city on the Orontes River in central Syria. In 1 Chronicles 2:55 "the house of Rechab" is connected with Hemath, suggesting a settlement in or near the city. Amos 6:14 uses the phrase "from the entering of Hamath" to describe the full northern extent of Israel's territory. The "entering in of Hamath" (Num. 34:8; Josh. 13:5) designated the traditional northern boundary of the land promised to Israel. Hamath itself was a powerful Aramean kingdom whose king Tou sent congratulatory gifts to David after his defeat of Hadarezer (2 Sam. 8:9–10).