Topical Encyclopedia Madai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Table of Nations, a genealogical record found in Genesis 10, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the Flood. Madai is identified as one of the sons of Japheth, who was one of Noah's three sons. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following reference: "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras" (Genesis 10:2).Genealogical Context Madai is listed as the third son of Japheth. Japheth's descendants are traditionally associated with the peoples who spread out to the north and west of the ancient Near East. The Table of Nations serves as a foundational text for understanding the dispersion of peoples and the establishment of various ethnic groups following the Flood. Historical and Geographical Associations The descendants of Madai are traditionally linked to the Medes, an ancient Iranian people who settled in the region known as Media, located in present-day northwestern Iran. This association is supported by historical and linguistic evidence, as the name "Madai" is phonetically similar to "Mada," the Old Persian name for the Medes. The Medes played a significant role in the history of the ancient Near East. They are mentioned in various historical sources, including Assyrian and Babylonian records, and were known for their involvement in the fall of the Assyrian Empire. The Medes eventually formed a confederation with the Persians, leading to the establishment of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. Biblical Significance While Madai himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his descendants, the Medes, are mentioned in several biblical passages. The Medes are noted for their role in the conquest of Babylon, as prophesied by the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah. Isaiah 13:17 states, "Behold, I will stir up against them the Medes, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold." Similarly, Jeremiah 51:11 declares, "Sharpen the arrows! Take up the shields! The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His purpose is to destroy Babylon." The Medes are also mentioned in the Book of Daniel, where they are part of the Medo-Persian Empire that succeeded the Babylonian Empire. Daniel 5:28 records the interpretation of the writing on the wall: "Your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." Cultural and Theological Implications The mention of Madai and his descendants in the Table of Nations underscores the biblical theme of the dispersion of humanity and the establishment of diverse nations and cultures. This dispersion is seen as part of God's providential plan for the world, as He sovereignly orchestrates the rise and fall of nations throughout history. From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Madai in the genealogical record highlights the interconnectedness of all peoples as descendants of Noah. It serves as a reminder of the shared heritage of humanity and the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes across different cultures and epochs. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 10:2The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:5 Strong's Hebrew 4074. Maday -- a son of Japheth, also his desc. and their land... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a son of Japheth, also his desc. and their land NASB Word Usage Madai (2), Medes (5), Media (8), Median (1). ... /hebrew/4074.htm - 6k Library Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) Chapter x [Endnotes] An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who were the sons of Noah, and what happened to them and their descendants? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Japheth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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