Lexical Summary Medeba: Medeba Original Word: מֵידְבָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Medeba From mayim and dobe'; water of quiet; Medeba, a place in Palestine -- Medeba. see HEBREW mayim see HEBREW dobe' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city in Moab NASB Translation Medeba (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֵידְבָא proper name, of a location city in Moab (MI8 מהדבה) — Numbers 21:30; Isaiah 15:2; Joshua 13:9,16 assigned to Reuben (ᵐ5 Δαιδαβαν, Μαιδαβα ᵐ5L Μεδαβα); 1 Chronicles 19:7 meeting-place of Ammonites (ᵐ5 Μαιθαβα, A ᵐ5L Μηδαβα). מֵידָד see II. ידד. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Medeba lay on the high plateau east of the Jordan River, about 4,300 feet above sea level and some 20 miles south-southeast of Heshbon. The site commanded the north–south King’s Highway as it crossed the tableland of Moab and dipped toward the Arnon Gorge. Surrounded by fertile pastureland yet exposed to every army that moved along the plateau, the city’s location explains both its commercial potential and its repeated appearance in military narratives. Biblical Occurrences and Narrative Context 1. Numbers 21:30 introduces Medeba during Israel’s march from the wilderness, celebrating the defeat of Sihon: “We have cast them down; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We have devastated them as far as Nophah, which extends to Medeba”. Together these texts trace a storyline: Amorite stronghold → Israelite conquest → Reubenite possession → battlefield in David’s reign → object of prophetic judgment. Strategic Importance in the Conquest Medeba is mentioned in the victory song of Numbers 21 because controlling the city meant controlling the eastern plateau. Israel’s success there signaled that the LORD was delivering the Transjordan into their hands, confirming the promise first given to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). For the tribes of Reuben and Gad, Medeba marked the northern limit of the broad plain—a natural boundary testifying to God-appointed borders (Joshua 13:8-14). Role in Davidic Wars Centuries later the Ammonites, shamed by their treatment of David’s envoys, hired northern chariot forces and met Joab near Medeba (1 Chronicles 19). The choice of this city as their camp reveals its tactical value: open ground for chariots yet near the walled towns of Ammon for retreat. David’s victory preserved Israel’s supremacy east of the Jordan and displayed covenant faithfulness—God defending His anointed even when opposition gathered “from the ends of the earth” (compare Psalm 2:2). Prophetic Significance Isaiah 15 places Medeba in a dirge that anticipates Moab’s downfall. The prophet pictures priests climbing the heights only to weep because idols cannot save. Medeba, once conquered by Israel and later reclaimed by Moab, will join the universal confession that “the LORD alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:11). The city becomes a pulpit for proclaiming the futility of pride and the certainty of divine sovereignty. Extrabiblical Witness The Mesha Stele (ninth century B.C.) records the Moabite king’s boast that “Chemosh returned to me… Medeba.” The inscription confirms the biblical portrayal of fluid control over the plateau and adds archaeological weight to the historical framework: at times Israel ruled, at times Moab reclaimed, but the Word of God accurately reflects the shifting fortunes of the site. Spiritual Lessons • Boundary Stones: Medeba reminds believers that God sets borders for peoples (Deuteronomy 32:8) and assigns inheritances to His own. Respecting His order brings blessing; defying it invites loss. Applications for Ministry Today 1. Preaching: Medeba offers an illustrative bridge from Old Testament conquest to New Testament mission. Just as the city’s capture showcased God’s faithfulness to Israel, Christ’s resurrection secures every promise for the Church (2 Corinthians 1:20). Summary Medeba stands at the crossroads of conquest, covenant, conflict, and prophecy. Its five biblical appearances trace the unwavering thread of divine purpose: the LORD establishes His people, overthrows opposition, and warns every nation that security lies not in geography or military might but in humble allegiance to Him. Forms and Transliterations מֵֽידְבָֽא׃ מֵֽידְבָא֙ מֵידְבָ֑א מֵידְבָ֖א מֵידְבָֽא׃ מידבא מידבא׃ mê·ḏə·ḇā mêḏəḇā MeideVa meidVaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 21:30 HEB: אֲשֶׁ֖רׅ עַד־ מֵֽידְבָֽא׃ NAS: to Nophah, Which [reaches] to Medeba. KJV: even unto Nophah, which [reacheth] unto Medeba. INT: Which even Medeba Joshua 13:9 Joshua 13:16 1 Chronicles 19:7 Isaiah 15:2 5 Occurrences |
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