Topical Encyclopedia Geographical and Historical Context:Medeba is an ancient city located on the high plateau of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It is situated approximately 20 miles south of Heshbon and 12 miles east of the Dead Sea. The city is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, reflecting its significance in biblical history and its strategic location on the King's Highway, an important trade route in the ancient Near East. Biblical References: Medeba is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. In Numbers 21:30, the city is referenced in a poetic passage describing the defeat of the Amorites: "But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon; we have demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba." This indicates that Medeba was part of the territory conquered by the Israelites under Moses. In Joshua 13:9 and 13:16, Medeba is listed as part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Reuben: "Their territory was from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba." This allocation underscores the city's importance within the tribal divisions of Israel. During the reign of King David, Medeba is mentioned in the context of his military campaigns. In 1 Chronicles 19:7, the city is noted as a gathering place for the Ammonite and Aramean forces: "So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, as well as the king of Maacah and his troops, who came and camped near Medeba, while the Ammonites gathered from their cities and came out for battle." Archaeological and Cultural Significance: Medeba is renowned for the Medeba Map, a Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land discovered in the 19th century in the floor of a church in the modern town of Madaba, Jordan. This map is one of the oldest cartographic depictions of the region and provides valuable insights into the geography and settlements of the biblical world during the 6th century AD. Theological Implications: The biblical narrative of Medeba highlights themes of conquest, territorial inheritance, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The city's inclusion in the tribal allotments of Reuben signifies the tangible realization of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. Furthermore, the military engagements associated with Medeba reflect the ongoing struggles between Israel and its neighboring nations, underscoring the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people. Conclusion: Medeba's role in biblical history, as evidenced by its repeated mention in the Scriptures, underscores its importance as a city of strategic and cultural significance. Its legacy continues to be of interest to biblical scholars, archaeologists, and theologians, offering insights into the ancient world and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the history of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 21:30We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even to Dibon, and we have laid them waste even to Nophah, which reaches to Medeba. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 4311. Medeba -- a city in Moab... 4310, 4311. Medeba. 4312 . a city in Moab. Transliteration: Medeba Phonetic Spelling: (may-deb-aw') Short Definition: Medeba. Word ... /hebrew/4311.htm - 6k Library The Old Testament and Archeology Appendices The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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