Topical Encyclopedia Maachath is a term found in the Bible that refers to both a person and a region, with significant implications in the historical and genealogical narratives of the Scriptures. The name Maachath is associated with a small Aramean kingdom located in the region of Bashan, near the borders of modern-day Syria and Israel. This entry explores the various mentions and roles of Maachath in the biblical text.1. Maachath as a Region: The land of Maachath is mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of ancient Israel. It was a small kingdom situated to the northeast of the Sea of Galilee, near the Golan Heights. The people of Maachath, known as the Maachathites, are frequently mentioned alongside other neighboring groups such as the Geshurites and the Arameans. In the conquest narratives of the Old Testament, the land of Maachath is noted as one of the regions that the Israelites did not fully conquer. Joshua 13:11 mentions the land of the Maachathites as part of the territory that remained unconquered: "Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maachathites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah." 2. Maachath as a Person: The name Maachath is also associated with individuals in the biblical genealogies. One notable figure is Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, who became one of King David's wives. She is the mother of Absalom and Tamar, as recorded in 2 Samuel 3:3: "his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third was Absalom the son of Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur." Another individual named Maacah is mentioned as the wife of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah. She is the mother of Abijah, who succeeded Rehoboam as king. This Maacah is noted in 1 Kings 15:2: "He reigned in Jerusalem three years, and his mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom." 3. Theological and Historical Significance: The references to Maachath in the Bible highlight the complex relationships between Israel and its neighboring nations. The Maachathites, like other neighboring peoples, were often in conflict with Israel, yet they also had familial ties through intermarriage, as seen in the case of Maacah, the wife of David and mother of Absalom. The presence of Maachath in the biblical narrative underscores the theme of incomplete conquest and the ongoing challenges faced by the Israelites in securing their God-given inheritance. The interactions with the Maachathites and other neighboring groups serve as a backdrop for the unfolding account of Israel's faithfulness and struggles in adhering to the covenant with Yahweh. In summary, Maachath represents both a geographical region and a lineage that played a role in the historical and familial dynamics of ancient Israel. The biblical accounts involving Maachath provide insight into the broader narrative of Israel's history and its interactions with surrounding nations. Concordance Maachath (1 Occurrence)Joshua 13:13 Thesaurus Maachath (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Maachath (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:13 Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor ... /m/maachath.htm - 6k Maachah (19 Occurrences) Dispossessed (42 Occurrences) Maachathi (1 Occurrence) Maacah (30 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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