Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning Mis'rephoth-ma'im is a place name found in the Old Testament, and its name is often translated to mean "burning of waters" or "lime-kilns by the waters." The etymology suggests a location associated with some form of industrial activity, possibly involving the burning of materials near a water source. Biblical References Mis'rephoth-ma'im is mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. It appears in the narrative of the northern campaign against the coalition of Canaanite kings led by Jabin, king of Hazor. 1. Joshua 11:8 : "And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who defeated them and pursued them as far as Greater Sidon, Mis'rephoth-ma'im, and the Valley of Mizpah to the east. They struck them down until no survivor was left." In this passage, Mis'rephoth-ma'im is noted as a geographical marker in the pursuit and defeat of the Canaanite forces. The location is significant as it marks the extent of the Israelite victory in the northern campaign, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the land into their hands. 2. Joshua 13:6 : "All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Mis'rephoth-ma'im, all the Sidonians—I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land as an inheritance for Israel, as I have commanded you." Here, Mis'rephoth-ma'im is mentioned as part of the territorial boundaries that God promises to drive out before the Israelites. It underscores the divine assurance of victory and the allocation of the land as an inheritance for the tribes of Israel. Geographical and Historical Context The exact location of Mis'rephoth-ma'im is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to be situated in the northern part of ancient Canaan, near the region of Sidon. The reference to "burning of waters" suggests proximity to a water source, possibly the Mediterranean Sea or a significant river, where industrial activities such as lime production might have taken place. The mention of Mis'rephoth-ma'im in the context of the Israelite conquest highlights its strategic importance. It served as a boundary marker in the northern campaign, indicating the extent of Israel's military reach and God's provision in securing the Promised Land. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, Mis'rephoth-ma'im represents the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The conquest of Canaan, including the pursuit to Mis'rephoth-ma'im, illustrates God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The narrative emphasizes the divine orchestration of events, where God delivers the enemies into the hands of His chosen people, ensuring their inheritance of the land. The mention of Mis'rephoth-ma'im also serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance. It underscores the completeness of the victory granted to Israel, as they pursued their enemies to the farthest reaches of the land, leaving no survivors. This reflects the totality of God's judgment against the Canaanite nations and His commitment to establishing Israel in the land He promised to their forefathers. Concordance Mis'rephoth-ma'im (2 Occurrences)Joshua 11:8 Joshua 13:6 Thesaurus Mis'rephoth-ma'im (2 Occurrences)Mis'rephoth-ma'im. Misrephoth-maim, Mis'rephoth-ma'im. Misrepresent . Multi-Version Concordance Mis'rephoth-ma'im (2 Occurrences). ... /m/mis'rephoth-ma'im.htm - 7k Misrephoth-maim (2 Occurrences) Misrepresent (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |