Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Moreh is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with a location or a person. The name "Moreh" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "teacher" or "oracle," suggesting a place of instruction or divination. Biblical References: Moreh is mentioned in several key passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of significant events in the lives of the patriarchs and the Israelites. 1. Genesis 12:6 · "Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land." In this passage, Moreh is associated with a great tree or terebinth located near Shechem. It is here that Abram, later known as Abraham, first received a divine promise regarding the land of Canaan. The site is significant as a place where God appeared to Abram, marking it as a location of divine revelation and covenant. 2. Deuteronomy 11:30 · "Are they not across the Jordan, west of the road, toward the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh?" This reference situates Moreh geographically, indicating its proximity to the Jordan River and its location within the land of the Canaanites. The "oaks of Moreh" are mentioned as a landmark, emphasizing the area's importance in the narrative of Israel's journey into the Promised Land. 3. Judges 7:1 · "Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh." In the account of Gideon's battle against the Midianites, the hill of Moreh serves as a strategic location. The narrative highlights the miraculous victory God granted to Gideon and his small army, underscoring Moreh as a site of divine intervention and deliverance. Historical and Theological Significance: Moreh holds historical and theological significance as a place where God communicated with His people and where pivotal events unfolded. The association with trees or oaks suggests a sacred space, possibly used for worship or as a meeting place for divine encounters. The recurring mention of Moreh in contexts of divine promise and victory underscores its role as a symbol of God's faithfulness and guidance. Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, significant trees or groves were often considered sacred and were associated with divine presence or oracles. The great tree of Moreh may have served as a landmark for travelers and a site for religious activities. The presence of Canaanites in the area during Abram's time indicates the cultural and religious diversity of the region, which the patriarchs navigated under God's direction. Conclusion: The references to Moreh in the Bible highlight its importance as a geographical and spiritual landmark. It serves as a testament to God's ongoing relationship with His people, providing a backdrop for key moments of faith, promise, and deliverance in the biblical narrative. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MorehSmith's Bible Dictionary Moreh(teacher).
Easton's Bible Dictionary An archer, teacher; fruitful. (1.) A Canaanite probably who inhabited the district south of Shechem, between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim, and gave his name to the "plain" there (Genesis 12:6). Here at this "plain," or rather (R.V.) "oak," of Moreh, Abraham built his first altar in the land of Palestine; and here the Lord appeared unto him. He afterwards left this plain and moved southward, and pitched his tent between Bethel on the west and Hai on the east (Genesis 12:7, 8). Moreh, the Hill of Probably identical with "little Hermon," the modern Jebel ed-Duhy, or perhaps one of the lower spurs of this mountain. It is a gray ridge parallel to Gilboa on the north; and between the two lay the battle-field, the plain of Jezreel (q.v.), where Gideon overthrew the Midianites (Judges 7:1-12). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MOREH, HILL OFmo'-re (gibh`ath ha-moreh, "hill of the teacher"; Codex Vaticanus Gabaathamora; Codex Alexandrinus, tou bomou tou Abor): The Hebrew moreh is derived from the verb yarah, "to teach," "to direct," and indicates one who directs, or gives oracular answers. We might therefore read "hill of the teacher," the height being associated with such a person who had his seat here. The hill is named only in describing the position of the Midianites before Gideon's attack (Judges 7:1). If the identification of the Well of Harod with `Ain Jalud is correct, Gideon must have occupied the slopes to the East of Jezreel. The Midianite camp was in the valley of Jezreel (Judges 6:33). The Hebrew text in Judges 7:1, which has probably suffered some corruption, seems to mean that the Midianites lay North of the position held by Gideon, their lines running from the hill of Moreh in the plain. The hill can hardly have been other than Jebel ed-Duchy, often called Little Hermon, which rises boldly from the northern edge of the vale of Jezreel, with Shunem (Solam) lying at its western foot. Moore ("Judges," ICC, 200) would lay the scene in the neighborhood of Shechem, but there is no good reason to doubt the accuracy of the tradition which places it at the eastern end of the plain of Esdraelon. MOREH, OAK OF ('elon moreh, "terebinth of the teacher"; ten drun ten hupselen; the King James Version Plain of Moreh): It seems probable that the place here intended may be the same as that mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:30 ('elone moreh, "terebinths of Moreh," the King James Version "plains," the Revised Version (British and American) "oaks," the Revised Version margin "terebinths"). Both are defined as near to Shechem. The position cannot be identified today. The tree or trees were evidently a place of resort for those who wished to consult a moreh. See MOREH, HILL OF. To this day in Palestine trees are often regarded with a certain religious awe as the habitation of spirits. Isolated terebinths receive much veneration. The present writer has often seen such trees with multitudinous rags of all colors attached to them by the peasantry as evidence of their homage. Strong's Hebrew 4176. Moreh -- a place near Shechem, also a hill of unc. locationMoreh or Moreh. 4175b, 4176. Moreh or Moreh. 4177 . a place near Shechem, also a hill of unc. location. Transliteration: Moreh ... /hebrew/4176.htm - 6k 4175b. moreh -- a teacher 4175a. moreh -- (early) rain Library An Example of Faith With the Rev. William Burns The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. The National Oath at Shechem 'Fit, Though Few' The Man of Faith The Story of the Tower of Babel Abram and the Life of Faith Chapter xii Thesaurus Moreh (3 Occurrences)... between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim, and gave his name to the "plain" there (Genesis 12:6). Here at this "plain," or rather (RV) "oak," of Moreh, Abraham built his ... /m/moreh.htm - 11k Gibeath-moreh (1 Occurrence) Oak (22 Occurrences) Shechem (61 Occurrences) Nain (1 Occurrence) Gibeath (2 Occurrences) Rain (118 Occurrences) Augur's Gerizim (4 Occurrences) Gilgal (39 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of Mount Ebal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Moreh (3 Occurrences)Genesis 12:6 Deuteronomy 11:30 Judges 7:1 Subtopics Moreh: A Hill on the Plain of Jezreel where the Midianites Encamped Moreh: A Plain Near Shechem and Gilgal Related Terms |