The Maachathi were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, associated with the region of Maacah. This group is referenced in the context of the territorial boundaries and interactions with the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan and the subsequent settlement period.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 3:14 : "Jair the son of Manasseh took all the region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites; it was named after him, so that to this day Bashan is called Havvoth-jair." This passage indicates that the Maachathites were located near the region of Argob, which was part of the territory conquered by Jair, a descendant of Manasseh. The Maachathites, along with the Geshurites, marked the boundary of this conquest.

2. Joshua 12:5 : "He ruled over Mount Hermon, Salecah, all of Bashan up to the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half of Gilead as far as the border of Sihon king of Heshbon." This verse situates the Maachathites in the northern territories, near Mount Hermon and Bashan, further emphasizing their proximity to the Geshurites.

3. Joshua 13:11 : "It also included Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maachathites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah." Here, the Maachathites are again mentioned in the context of the land allocations during the division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, specifically in the northern regions.

4. 2 Samuel 10:6 : "When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, they sent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and the men of Tob." This passage highlights the political alliances of the Maachathites, as they were involved in the conflict between the Ammonites and King David. The king of Maacah provided military support to the Ammonites, indicating their active role in regional politics.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Maachathites were likely a small, independent group residing in the northern Transjordan region, near the modern-day Golan Heights. Their territory was adjacent to that of the Geshurites, and they were known to have interactions with the Israelites during the conquest and settlement periods. The Maachathites, like many other small nations in the region, were often involved in the shifting alliances and conflicts that characterized the ancient Near East.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The Maachathites, though not a major power, are significant in the biblical narrative for their interactions with Israel and their role in the broader geopolitical landscape of the time. Their mention in the context of territorial boundaries underscores the complexity of the land allocations and the diverse groups that inhabited the Promised Land. Theologically, the presence of the Maachathites and other neighboring peoples serves as a backdrop to the unfolding account of Israel's establishment in Canaan and the challenges they faced in maintaining their covenantal identity amidst surrounding nations.Maachathi

broken

Maachathi

(oppression) and Maachathites, The, two words which denote the inhabitants of the small kingdom of Maachah. (3:14; Joshua 12:5; 13:11,13); (2 Samuel 23:34; 2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8)

Maachathi (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Maachathi (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair
the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto ...
/m/maachathi.htm - 6k

Maachathite (7 Occurrences)

/m/maachathite.htm - 8k

Maachath (1 Occurrence)

/m/maachath.htm - 6k

Bashan-havoth-jair (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob, to the
borders of Geshuri, and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan ...
/b/bashan-havoth-jair.htm - 7k

Bashanhavothjair (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the
coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name ...
/b/bashanhavothjair.htm - 6k

Coasts (58 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto
the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name ...
/c/coasts.htm - 24k

Borders (104 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob, to the
borders of Geshuri, and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan ...
/b/borders.htm - 40k

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