the same as מַדְמֵנָה; Madmenah, a place in Palestine; Madmenah.
Transliteration:Madmênâh
Pronunciation:mad-may-naw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma מַדְמֵנָה (Madmênâh), transliterated as Madmenah, is a proper noun, specifically a toponym. As such, its core meaning is primarily its designation as a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. Unlike common nouns or verbs, it does not possess a broad semantic range or multiple shades of meaning. While some scholars suggest a potential etymological connection to roots related to "dung" or "dunghill," implying a desolate or refuse-laden place, this is speculative for a proper noun whose identity is tied to its referent. Its significance lies in its role as a specific point on the landscape within a biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַדְמֵנָה (Madmênâh) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 10:31]]: "Madmenah is in flight; the inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety."
This single occurrence is embedded within a vivid prophetic oracle in [[Isaiah 10:28-32]] that describes the terrifying advance of the Assyrian army towards Jerusalem. The passage meticulously details the route of the invading forces, listing various towns and villages that fall victim to their relentless march or are thrown into panic by their approach. Madmenah is enumerated among these towns, alongside places like Aiath, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramah, Gibeah of Saul, Gallim, Laishah, Anathoth, Gebim, and Nob. Its inclusion serves to heighten the sense of imminent danger and widespread disarray, illustrating the pervasive fear that gripped the region as the Assyrian juggernaut approached the very gates of Jerusalem. The flight of Madmenah underscores the overwhelming power of the invading army and the helplessness of the local populace in the face of such a formidable threat.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, H4088 (Madmênâh) does not share direct linguistic roots or semantic fields with other words in the same way common nouns or verbs might. Its primary relationships are geographical and contextual. It is intrinsically linked to the other towns mentioned in [[Isaiah 10:28-32]], forming a geographical sequence that maps the Assyrian invasion route. These include:
* Aiath (Ai)
* Migron
* Michmash
* Geba
* Ramah
* Gibeah of Saul
* Gallim
* Laishah
* Anathoth
* Gebim
* Nob
The concept it most strongly relates to is the *geography of ancient Israel* and the *historical event of the Assyrian invasion* of Judah, particularly the campaign of Sennacherib in the late 8th century BCE. It functions as a specific marker within a prophetic oracle concerning divine judgment and national distress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Madmenah, though a minor geographical detail, is profound in its contribution to the overall message of [[Isaiah 10]]. Its inclusion grounds the prophetic warning in a tangible, historical reality, emphasizing the imminence and severity of God's judgment against Judah, which would be executed through the Assyrian Empire. The flight of Madmenah, along with its neighboring towns, serves as a vivid illustration of the terrifying consequences of divine discipline. It underscores the vulnerability of even seemingly secure communities when faced with the instruments of God's wrath.
Furthermore, Madmenah's place in the sequence leading to Jerusalem highlights the ultimate target of the Assyrian advance: the city of God itself. This sets the stage for the dramatic theological tension within Isaiah's prophecy: how will God respond when His own chosen city is threatened by the very power He raised up? The fear and flight of Madmenah thus serve to magnify the eventual, miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege, as recounted later in Isaiah ([[Isaiah 37]]). Madmenah, therefore, is a small but significant detail that contributes to the grand narrative of God's sovereignty over nations, His use of empires as tools for judgment, and His ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding Zion.
### Summary
H4088 (Madmênâh) is a Hebrew toponym, a specific place name appearing only once in the biblical text, in [[Isaiah 10:31]]. Its core meaning is simply its identity as a particular location in ancient Palestine, situated north of Jerusalem. In its sole biblical occurrence, Madmenah is depicted as a town in flight, caught in the path of the advancing Assyrian army. This detail serves to vividly illustrate the widespread panic and desolation caused by the invasion, providing a concrete geographical marker within Isaiah's prophetic warning. The theological significance of Madmenah lies not in its etymological roots, but in its function as a tangible element within the prophetic narrative of divine judgment and the impending threat to God's people, ultimately setting the stage for God's sovereign intervention and deliverance of Jerusalem.
TRV