Interesting Facts

• Mamre was an Amorite.
• He was a brother of Eshcol and Aner.
• Mamre was in league with Abram.
• Abram specifically requested that Mamre and the men who went with him to battle receive their portion of the spoil.
• Abram dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and pitched his tent there for many years.

Genealogy

• The sources state that Mamre was a brother to Eshcol and Aner. No further details regarding his ancestry, birth, marital connections, or offspring are provided within these texts.

Historical Context

Mamre existed in the land of Canaan during the time of Abram. This was a period characterized by the presence of various peoples, including the Amorites, to whom Mamre belonged. The social and political landscape involved alliances and agreements between different groups, as seen in Mamre’s confederacy with Abram. The region experienced conflicts and power struggles, exemplified by the war involving Chedorlaomer, which directly impacted Abram and his allies. The establishment of dwelling places and the importance of land are evident in Abram’s settling in the plain of Mamre in Hebron. Furthermore, the practices of warfare, including the distribution of spoils, as well as the significance of burial sites, were part of the cultural context of this era.

Narrative

Mamre’s primary role in the narrative, as presented in these sources, is tied to his alliance with Abram. He is consistently mentioned alongside his brothers, Eshcol and Aner, as being in league with Abram. This confederacy suggests a mutual commitment and shared interests between these Amorite brothers and the Hebrew patriarch. Following Abram’s victory over Chedorlaomer and his allies, when the king of Sodom offered Abram the recovered goods, Abram explicitly stated his refusal to take anything for himself, ensuring that “the portion of the men who went with me – Aner, Eschol, and Mamre. These shall take their portion”. This indicates that Mamre actively participated in Abram’s endeavors, likely including the military pursuit and the subsequent recovery of Lot and the stolen goods. Jasher further clarifies that Abram insisted that Mamre and his men, along with Aner and Eshcol, should receive their share of the spoils regardless of whether they directly engaged in battle or guarded the baggage. Additionally, the land associated with Mamre, the plain of Mamre in Hebron, becomes a significant location as Abram chooses to dwell there and builds an altar unto the Lord. This establishes a long-term connection between Abram and the territory linked to Mamre, signifying a period of settled life and divine worship in that specific area. The consistent mention of Mamre as an ally entitled to a share of the victory’s spoils highlights his respected position and active involvement in the events surrounding Abram’s life during this period.