Lexical Summary Me Zahab: Waters of Gold Original Word: מֵי זָהָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mezahab From mayim and zahab, water of gold; Me-Zahab, an Edomite -- Mezahab. see HEBREW mayim see HEBREW zahab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mayim and zahab Definition an Edomite NASB Translation Mezahab (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֵי זָהָב proper name, masculine an Edomite Genesis 36:39 (ᵐ5 Μεζοοβ, ᵐ5L Μαιζοοβ) = 1 Chronicles 1:50 (ᵐ5L Μαιζααβ). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Mezahab (“waters of gold”) combines imagery of life-giving water with the splendor of precious metal, evoking abundance and prosperity. The compound suggests a heritage marked by material plenty, yet it also hints at the fleeting nature of worldly riches when compared with lasting covenant blessing. Occurrences in Scripture • Genesis 36:39 Both references appear in parallel king-lists of Edom, identifying Mezahab as the maternal grandfather of Mehetabel, wife of the Edomite king Hadad (also called Hadar). Genealogical Context The Edomite regnal record in Genesis 36 and its repetition in 1 Chronicles trace the ruling line of Esau’s descendants prior to any monarch in Israel. Mezahab stands two generations above the throne: Mezahab → Matred → Mehetabel → married to King Hadad/Hadar. Thus his name forms part of the royal pedigree through which Edom’s eighth king strengthens legitimacy by marriage. The text offers no further biographical detail, underscoring how Scripture sometimes preserves only the essential links needed to record divine dealings with nations surrounding Israel. Historical Background The reigns listed in Genesis 36 predate Saul’s coronation (1 Samuel 11). Edom, dwelling south of the Dead Sea, achieved early political organization, reflecting the fulfillment of Isaac’s prophecy that Esau’s line would become “a nation” (Genesis 27:40). Mezahab’s appearance therefore anchors the narrative in the wider scope of Genesis: God is faithful to promises made to the patriarchs, even while neighboring peoples rise and fall. Spiritual and Theological Implications 1. Sovereignty over Nations By naming foreign rulers and their families, the inspired record declares divine supervision of all kingdoms (Psalm 22:28). Mezahab’s wealth-tinged name reminds readers that God, not gold, orders history (Haggai 2:8). 2. Wealth and Transience The golden motif contrasts with the brevity of Mezahab’s scriptural mention. Riches may secure status for a season, but only allegiance to the Lord endures. “Riches do not endure forever” (Proverbs 27:24). 3. Lineage and Legacy Though outside the covenant line, Mezahab’s inclusion shows that every human account fits within God’s redemptive tapestry. His grandson-in-law’s eventual defeat by David’s commanders (1 Kings 11:15-16) illustrates how God advances His purposes even through foreign dynasties. Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Followers of Christ can employ material resources for eternal gain, knowing that earthly “waters of gold” evaporate without kingdom investment (Matthew 6:19-21). Typological Reflections Edom frequently symbolizes proud opposition to Israel. A figure named for opulence appearing fleetingly anticipates the ultimate downfall of earthly glory before the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). In contrast, Jesus offers “living water” (John 4:10), a far greater treasure than Mezahab’s imagined streams of gold. Summary Mezahab, though mentioned only twice, provides a snapshot of Edomite affluence, the divine ordering of international affairs, and the biblical theme that earthly wealth cannot secure enduring honor. His name glitters briefly on the pages of Scripture, pointing readers beyond temporal riches to the everlasting riches found in God’s covenant and Christ’s kingdom. Forms and Transliterations זָהָֽב׃ זהב׃ zā·hāḇ zāhāḇ zaHavLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:39 HEB: בַּ֖ת מֵ֥י זָהָֽב׃ NAS: of Matred, daughter of Mezahab. KJV: of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. INT: of Matred daughter of Mezahab 1 Chronicles 1:50 2 Occurrences |
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