the same as מֵאָה; Meah, a tower in Jerusalem; Meah.
Transliteration:Mêʼâh
Pronunciation:may-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3968}}` (Mêʼâh) is a proper noun, specifically designating a geographical landmark: a tower in Jerusalem. Its etymological root is derived from `{{H3967}}` (mêʼâh), which signifies "a hundred." While the exact reason for this nomenclature is not explicitly stated in the biblical text, several possibilities exist. The tower may have been named "Meah" due to its height (perhaps measuring one hundred cubits or feet), its proximity to a hundred steps, its capacity to house one hundred guards, or its association with a hundred families or units in the city's administrative division. Regardless of the precise etymological link, `{{H3968}}` unequivocally identifies a specific, identifiable defensive structure within the ancient city walls of Jerusalem, serving as a fixed point of reference in descriptions of the city's topography.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3968}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Nehemiah:
* [[Nehemiah 3:1]]: "Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel."
This singular occurrence places the Tower of Meah (often translated as "Tower of the Hundred") within the detailed account of the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah. The verse describes the initial phase of the rebuilding effort, starting with the Sheep Gate, which was likely located in the northeastern part of the city wall. The Tower of Meah is mentioned alongside the Tower of Hananel (`{{H2606}}`) as a significant landmark marking the extent of the section of wall rebuilt by Eliashib and the priests. This indicates its strategic importance as a defensive structure and a recognizable point on the city's northern wall. Its mention in conjunction with other towers and gates underscores the meticulous and collaborative nature of the rebuilding project, highlighting the restoration of Jerusalem's physical security as essential for the re-establishment of the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H3968}}` is `{{H3967}}` (mêʼâh), the common noun meaning "a hundred." This connection suggests that the tower's name was not arbitrary but held some numeric significance, even if the precise reason is lost to history. The concept of "one hundred" often denotes completeness, a large quantity, or a significant measure in biblical thought, which could subtly imbue the tower's name with a sense of strength or substantiality.
Furthermore, `{{H3968}}` is intimately related to other geographical and architectural terms in Nehemiah's account of the wall rebuilding, such as:
* **Gates:** e.g., the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Old Gate, Valley Gate, Dung Gate, Fountain Gate, Water Gate, Horse Gate, East Gate, Inspection Gate. Each gate served specific functions and marked different sections of the wall.
* **Other Towers:** Notably the Tower of Hananel (`{{H2606}}`), which is mentioned in the same verse as Meah, and the Tower of the Furnaces (`{{H8574}}`). These towers were integral components of Jerusalem's defensive infrastructure, providing elevated vantage points for observation and defense.
* **The Wall Itself:** The entire narrative of Nehemiah 3 revolves around the rebuilding of the wall, symbolizing the restoration of God's people, their security, and their distinct identity in the face of adversaries.
### Theological Significance
While the Tower of Meah is a specific architectural feature with no direct theological pronouncements attached to it, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries significant theological implications within the broader context of Nehemiah's work.
1. **Divine Providence in Restoration:** The meticulous detail with which the wall's rebuilding, including specific landmarks like the Tower of Meah, is described, underscores the divine hand guiding the restoration of Jerusalem. God's faithfulness to His covenant promises is demonstrated through the rebuilding of the city, providing a secure dwelling for His people. The very existence and naming of such structures reflect God's ordering of His people's lives and their physical environment.
2. **Security and Identity of God's People:** The rebuilding of the walls and towers, including Meah, was crucial for the physical security of the post-exilic community. This security allowed them to re-establish their religious practices and communal life without constant threat. The tower, as a point of strength and watchfulness, symbolizes God's protection over His people and their need to remain vigilant in their faith.
3. **Community and Collaboration:** The mention of the Tower of Meah within the list of sections rebuilt by various groups (Eliashib and the priests in this case) highlights the communal effort and unity required for God's work. Each part, no matter how seemingly small or geographically specific, contributed to the overall divine plan for the restoration of Jerusalem. The "hundred" in its name might subtly allude to the numerous individuals contributing to this grand task.
### Summary
`{{H3968}}` (Mêʼâh) is a unique proper noun designating the "Tower of Meah," a specific defensive structure on the northern wall of ancient Jerusalem. Its name, derived from the Hebrew word for "a hundred" (`{{H3967}}`), likely refers to a physical characteristic or administrative association, though the precise reason is not explicitly stated. The tower is mentioned only once in the Bible, in [[Nehemiah 3:1]], where it serves as a key landmark in the detailed account of the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Contextually, it is associated with the Sheep Gate and the Tower of Hananel, indicating its strategic position. Theologically, the Tower of Meah, like other reconstructed elements of the wall, symbolizes God's providential care in restoring His people, providing physical security for the covenant community, and highlighting the importance of communal effort in fulfilling His purposes. Its presence in the text serves as a testament to the tangible and meticulous work undertaken to re-establish Jerusalem as a secure and sacred center for the returning exiles.
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