### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Madmen**, represented by `{{H4086}}`, refers to a place in Palestine. Its name is derived from a word meaning **dunghill**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, highlighting its specific and singular mention in a prophecy of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4086}}` is in the book of Jeremiah, within a prophecy against the nation of Moab. The context is one of judgment, where the prophet declares, "Also thou shalt be cut down, O **Madmen**; the sword shall pursue thee" [[Jeremiah 48:2]]. This places **Madmen** as a specific target of divine retribution, linked with other Moabite cities like Heshbon, which are condemned for devising evil against the nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the prophecy in [[Jeremiah 48:2]] illuminate the context surrounding the judgment of **Madmen**:
* `{{H1826}}` **dâmam** (to be cut down (off), be silent): This word is used directly against **Madmen** to signify its impending destruction and silencing. It is also used to describe the wicked who will be silent in the grave [[Psalms 31:17]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): The instrument of judgment, the **sword**, is prophesied to pursue **Madmen**. This term frequently represents divine punishment and warfare, as seen in prophecies of judgment [[Isaiah 27:1]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): **Madmen** is identified within the territory of **Moab**, the nation facing judgment. God’s opposition to **Moab** is due to its pride and transgressions, as the nation "magnified himself against the LORD" [[Jeremiah 48:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4086}}` is found in its role within the prophecy of divine judgment.
* **Specificity of Judgment:** The mention of **Madmen** by name demonstrates that God's judgment is not vague or general but specific and comprehensive. Just as an evil plan was devised in Heshbon, the town of **Madmen** faces a direct and personal consequence: being "cut down" [[Jeremiah 48:2]].
* **The Inescapable Sword:** The prophecy that "the **sword** shall pursue thee" [[Jeremiah 48:2]] underscores the theme of inescapable divine retribution. The **sword** `{{H2719}}` is a recurring symbol of God's power to execute judgment against those who oppose Him.
* **Collective Accountability:** **Madmen**'s fate is tied to the broader judgment of **Moab** `{{H4124}}` for its evil schemes. Its destruction contributes to the goal of cutting **Moab** off from being a **nation** `{{H1471}}`, illustrating the principle of collective accountability for national sin [[Jeremiah 48:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4086}}` **Madmen** is a place name that, despite its single appearance, carries significant weight within its prophetic context. Its mention in [[Jeremiah 48:2]] is not incidental but serves as a specific example of the comprehensive judgment facing the nation of **Moab**. The fate of **Madmen** illustrates that divine accountability extends to every part of a nation, reinforcing the biblical themes of inescapable justice and the sovereignty of God over all peoples and places.
TRV