Geographical Context:

Marisa, also known as Mareshah, is an ancient city located in the Shephelah region of Judah. It is mentioned in the Bible as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The city is situated near the border of Philistine territory, making it a site of strategic importance throughout biblical history. Today, the archaeological site of Tel Maresha is identified with Marisa, located in modern-day Israel.

Biblical References:

Marisa is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as one of the cities in the lowland region allotted to the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15:44 lists it among the cities in the Shephelah: "Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah—nine cities, along with their villages."

In the time of King Rehoboam, Marisa was fortified as part of a defensive strategy against potential invasions. 2 Chronicles 11:8 states, "He also built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, Gath, Mareshah, Ziph."

The city is notably mentioned in the context of King Asa's reign. Asa, the king of Judah, faced an invasion by Zerah the Cushite, who came with a vast army. The battle took place in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 2 Chronicles 14:9-10 records, "Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah."

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

Marisa was a significant city during the Hellenistic period, serving as a major administrative center. The city was known for its diverse population, including Edomites, Greeks, and Jews, reflecting the cultural and political shifts of the era. Archaeological excavations at Tel Maresha have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including inscriptions, pottery, and the famous columbarium caves, which were used for raising pigeons.

The city was eventually destroyed by the Hasmonean king John Hyrcanus I in the late 2nd century BC, as part of his campaign to expand Jewish territory and enforce religious conformity.

Theological Significance:

Marisa's biblical narrative highlights themes of divine intervention and faithfulness. The account of King Asa's victory over Zerah the Cushite underscores the belief in God's deliverance and support for those who rely on Him. Asa's prayer in 2 Chronicles 14:11 reflects this reliance: "Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: 'LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, LORD our God, for we depend on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal hinder You.'"

Marisa serves as a testament to the historical and spiritual legacy of the biblical narrative, illustrating the interplay between faith, history, and archaeology.MARISA

mar'-i-sa (Marisa): The Greek form of MARESHAH (which see) in 2 Maccabees 12:35.

Marisa
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MARISA. mar'-i-sa (Marisa): The Greek
form of MARESHAH (which see) in 2 Maccabees 12:35. ...
/m/marisa.htm - 6k

Mariners (7 Occurrences)

/m/mariners.htm - 8k

Mesha (4 Occurrences)
... me'-sha: (1) (mesha`; Codex Vaticanus, Marisa; Codex Alexandrinus, Marisas): Caleb's
firstborn son, the father of Ziph, probably the ancestor of the Ziphites ...
/m/mesha.htm - 12k

Marish

/m/marish.htm - 6k

Samaria (123 Occurrences)
... The margin reads Marisa, and probably the place intended is Mareshah, the site of
which is at Tell Sandachannah, about a mile South of Belt Jibrin. W. Ewing. ...
/s/samaria.htm - 63k

City
... The margin reads Marisa, and probably the place intended is Mareshah, the site of
which is at Tell Sandachannah, about a mile South of Belt Jibrin. W. Ewing. ...
/c/city.htm - 43k

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