Makaz is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of King Solomon's administrative districts. It is referenced in 1 Kings 4:9, which details the organization of Solomon's kingdom into twelve districts, each overseen by an official responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household for one month of the year. The passage reads: "Ben-Deker in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan" (1 Kings 4:9).

Geographical Context

The exact location of Makaz is not definitively known, as it is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text or in extrabiblical sources. However, it is listed alongside other towns such as Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan, which are situated in the region of the tribe of Dan or the western part of the tribe of Judah. This suggests that Makaz was likely located in the same general area, possibly in the lowland region of Judah or the Shephelah, a fertile area known for its agricultural productivity.

Historical and Cultural Significance

During the reign of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel experienced a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Solomon's administrative organization, as described in 1 Kings 4, reflects the complexity and efficiency of his government. Each district, including the one containing Makaz, was responsible for supplying the royal court with food and other necessities, indicating a well-structured system of resource management and taxation.

The mention of Makaz in this context highlights the importance of local governance and the integration of various regions into the centralized administration of Solomon's kingdom. This system not only ensured the smooth operation of the royal household but also facilitated the economic and political stability of the nation.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the division of the kingdom into districts and the appointment of officials can be seen as a reflection of God's providence and order. Solomon's wisdom, granted by God, enabled him to govern effectively and maintain peace throughout the land. The administrative structure, including places like Makaz, underscores the biblical theme of stewardship and the responsible management of resources entrusted by God.

Furthermore, the prosperity and organization of Solomon's reign serve as a foreshadowing of the ultimate peace and order that will be established in the Messianic kingdom. The efficient governance of Solomon, with all its human limitations, points to the perfect and eternal reign of Christ, where justice and righteousness will prevail.

Conclusion

While Makaz itself is a minor and somewhat obscure location within the biblical narrative, its inclusion in the list of Solomon's administrative districts provides valuable insight into the governance and societal structure of ancient Israel. It serves as a testament to the wisdom and organizational skills of Solomon, as well as a reminder of the divine order that underpins the biblical worldview.Makaz

(end), a place, apparently a town, named once only-- (1 Kings 4:9) --in the: specification of the jurisdiction of Solomon a commissariat officer, Ben-Dekar. Makaz has not been discovered.

MAKAZ

ma'-kaz (maqats): One of the cities of the 2nd of the 12 districts or prefectures which supplied victuals for Solomon (1 Kings 4:9). It is associated with Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh and Elon-beth-hanan, all three probably identical with cities mentioned (Joshua 19:41, 42) as on the border of Dan. Cheyne (EB, II, col. 2906) suggests that Makaz may bc identical with MEJARGON (which see) in the latter list.

4739. Maqats -- a place in Isr.
... Transliteration: Maqats Phonetic Spelling: (maw-kats') Short Definition: Makaz.
Word Origin from qatsats Definition a place in Isr. NASB Word Usage Makaz (1). ...
/hebrew/4739.htm - 6kMakaz (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAKAZ. ... Cheyne (EB, II, col. 2906) suggests that
Makaz may bc identical with MEJARGON (which see) in the latter list. ...
/m/makaz.htm - 7k

Shaalbim (2 Occurrences)
... In the time of Solomon it was included in the administrative district presided over
by Ben-deker, along with Makaz, Beth-shemesh and Elon-beth-hanan (1 Kings 4 ...
/s/shaalbim.htm - 8k

Majority (5 Occurrences)

/m/majority.htm - 8k

Make (12882 Occurrences)

/m/make.htm - 22k

Elon (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and
Elon Beth Hanan; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/elon.htm - 10k

Elon-beth-hanan (1 Occurrence)
... Elon-beth-hanan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben-deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim,
and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan; (ASV DBY JPS WBS YLT). ...
/e/elon-beth-hanan.htm - 7k

Elonbeth-hanan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elonbeth-hanan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 ... the son
of Deker in Makaz and Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh and Elonbeth-hanan; (BBE NAS). ...
/e/elonbeth-hanan.htm - 7k

E'lonbeth-Ha'nan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance E'lonbeth-Ha'nan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben Deker,
in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; (See RSV). ...
/e/e'lonbeth-ha'nan.htm - 6k

Elonbethhanan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elonbethhanan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 The son of Dekar,
in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan: (KJV). ...
/e/elonbethhanan.htm - 6k

Deker (1 Occurrence)
... Deker (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth
Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/deker.htm - 6k

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