patrial from מָדַי; a Madian or native of Madai; Mede.
Transliteration:Mâday
Pronunciation:maw-dah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4075}}` (Mâday), transliterated as "Mede," is a gentilic or patrial noun derived from `{{H4074}}` (Madai). It specifically denotes a "Madian" or "native of Madai," referring to an individual belonging to the ancient people group known as the Medes. Geographically, the Medes inhabited Media, a region located in what is now northwestern Iran, east of Assyria and west of Persia. The semantic range of `{{H4075}}` is therefore primarily ethnic and geographical, identifying a person by their origin from the land of Media.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Medes feature prominently in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic and historical books, and are mentioned once in the New Testament.
1. **Genealogical Origin:** The earliest mention establishes their lineage. Madai is listed as one of the sons of Japheth, son of Noah, in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10:2]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:5]]). This places the Medes within the broader family of humanity, tracing their origin to one of the post-Flood patriarchs.
2. **Historical Presence:** The Medes appear in the historical narrative of the divided kingdom. After the fall of Samaria, the king of Assyria deported Israelites "to Halah and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes" ([[2 Kings 17:6]]; [[2 Kings 18:11]]). This indicates their established presence as a significant people group with their own cities by the 8th century BCE, bordering the Assyrian empire.
3. **Prophetic Instruments of Judgment:** The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah vividly portray the Medes as instruments of God's judgment, particularly against Babylon.
* Isaiah prophesies, "Behold, I am stirring up the Medes against them, who have no regard for silver and do not delight in gold" ([[Isaiah 13:17]]). This highlights their ferocity and disinterest in plunder, making them a formidable and relentless force divinely appointed to devastate Babylon.
* Jeremiah echoes this, stating, "Prepare the nations for war against her, the kings of Media and her governors and all her officials, and all the land under their dominion" ([[Jeremiah 51:11]]). This portrays the Medes as a key component of the coalition God raises against Babylon, fulfilling His decree.
4. **Medo-Persian Empire:** The Medes are most famously associated with the Persians, forming the dominant empire that succeeded Babylon.
* In Daniel's prophecies, the "laws of the Medes and Persians" are presented as immutable ([[Daniel 6:8]], [[Daniel 6:12]], [[Daniel 6:15]]; compare [[Daniel 8:20]]). This phrase underscores the reliability and unchangeable nature of their decrees.
* The kingdom of Babylon is prophesied to be "given to the Medes and Persians" ([[Daniel 5:28]]), a prophecy fulfilled with the fall of Babylon to Cyrus the Great, who was of Persian descent but united the two kingdoms.
* The Book of Esther frequently mentions the Medes and Persians together, highlighting their dual rule and the vastness of their empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia ([[Esther 1:3]], [[Esther 1:14]], [[Esther 10:2]]). The "seven princes of Persia and Media" ([[Esther 1:14]]) held significant power within the kingdom.
5. **New Testament Appearance:** Medes are listed among the diverse groups present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, hearing the Gospel proclaimed in their own languages ([[Acts 2:9]]). This indicates either the presence of Jewish diaspora communities from Media or Gentile converts who had traveled to Jerusalem, signifying the early, universal reach of the Christian message.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H4074}}` (Madai):** The land and eponymous ancestor from whom the Medes derived their name. `{{H4075}}` is the inhabitant of this land.
* **`{{H6539}}` (Pārās):** Persia. This term is almost invariably linked with Media ("Medes and Persians") in later biblical books, reflecting the political reality of the Medo-Persian Empire. While Media was initially more prominent, Persia eventually became the dominant partner under Cyrus.
* **`{{H894}}` (Bāḇel):** Babylon. The Medes, often in conjunction with the Persians, were the divinely appointed instruments for the overthrow of the Babylonian Empire, a pivotal event in biblical history and prophecy.
* **`{{H804}}` (ʾAššûr):** Assyria. The Medes played a role in the downfall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and their territory was a destination for exiled Israelites.
* **Prophecy and Judgment:** The Medes serve as a vivid example of God's use of foreign nations to execute His sovereign will and judgment upon other nations, particularly those who oppressed His people or defied His authority.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The rise and fall of empires, including the Medo-Persian, underscore God's ultimate control over human history and political power.
### Theological Significance
The Medes, identified by `{{H4075}}`, hold several significant theological implications within the biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The most profound theological truth illustrated by the Medes is God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. He "raises up" the Medes ([[Isaiah 13:17]]) and "prepares" them for war ([[Jeremiah 51:11]]), demonstrating His power to use any people, even those who do not know Him, as instruments of His divine purpose. Their role in overthrowing Babylon serves as a powerful testament to His control over the course of world history.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The rise of the Medo-Persian Empire and its conquest of Babylon, as foretold by Isaiah and Jeremiah, stands as a remarkable fulfillment of specific biblical prophecy. This reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word, proving that His declarations will inevitably come to pass.
3. **Justice and Judgment:** The Medes represent an agent of divine justice against the wickedness and idolatry of Babylon. Their unyielding nature, not valuing silver or delighting in gold, makes them a perfect, incorruptible tool for God's righteous judgment.
4. **Immutable Law:** The concept of the "laws of the Medes and Persians" in Daniel highlights the steadfastness and unchangeable nature of decrees, which can be seen as a shadow of God's own unchangeable character and His eternal, unalterable laws and covenants.
5. **Universal Reach of the Gospel:** The presence of Medes at Pentecost ([[Acts 2:9]]) signifies the universal scope of the Gospel message. From being instruments of judgment in the Old Testament, they become recipients of salvation in the New, underscoring that God's redemptive plan extends to all peoples, tribes, and nations.
### Summary
`{{H4075}}` (Mâday) denotes a "Mede," an individual from the ancient land of Media, descended from Madai, son of Japheth. Biblically, the Medes are significant for several reasons: their genealogical origin in Genesis, their historical presence as a destination for Israelite exiles, their crucial role as instruments of God's judgment against Babylon as prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah, their prominent position alongside the Persians in the Medo-Persian Empire (known for its immutable laws), and their representation among the diverse peoples present at Pentecost. Theologically, the study of the Medes powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His precise fulfillment of prophecy, His righteous judgment against sin, and the ultimate, universal reach of His redemptive plan.
TRV