Dr. Couch, what does the word Hamas mean? We hear this all the time in the news used of the orthodox Arabs in their war against us and against Israel.
The Abrabic word Hamas is part of the Semitic family of words that is
related to Semitic Hebrew. Therefore to know Hebrew is to know Arabic
(except the letters are somewhat foreign to Hebrew).
Technically, the word Hamas is pronounced chamas though the ch sound has been softened. Thus the word: hamas. The word is used several places in the OT. On Isaiah 60:18 where it is used, Unger writes in his commentary: “Violence (hamas,
the unjust use of force by the stronger upon the weaker).” This tells
the whole story about the evil intent of the Abrabic world against
Israel and the West today!
In the Hebrew lexicon the word is defined further as: to treat violently, to oppress, to injure, to sin against someone, to tear something away violently, to be violently made naked.
The militant Arabs, who are living out the violence that is natural
in Islam, are being consistent with their theology. The vast majority of
Muslims are condoning the violent actions of their brothers. Almost no
Arabs censor the killing of the innocent infidel who is a non-Muslim.
“The religion of the sword” has always characterized Islam. The Hamas
organization has picked the right word to describe their activities and
their philosophy. Isn’t it interesting that the word love is used to best characterize Christianity!
CNN Network has recently done a documentary in which it lumps
orthodox Judaism and Christianity with orthodox Islam and violent Islam.
Fundamental, evangelical, and premillennial Christians are now seen as
the enemy to the liberal mindset.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
