The Hebrew word Madmannâh, represented by H4089, is the name for Madmannah, a place in Palestine. According to its usage statistics, it appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. It is primarily identified as a specific location within the land of Israel.
The two biblical occurrences of H4089 place Madmannah in both a geographical and genealogical context. In the book of Joshua, it is listed as one of the cities in the southern part of Judah, mentioned alongside Ziklag and Sansannah Joshua 15:31. Later, in the chronicles of Israel's lineage, the town is linked to an individual founder. The text states that Shaaph was the father of Madmannah, connecting the location to the family line of Caleb 1 Chronicles 2:49.
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Madmannah:
- H8174 Shaʻaph (Shaaph, the name of two Israelites): This is the individual identified as the father, or founder, of Madmannah 1 Chronicles 2:49.
- H1 ʼâb (father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application): This term is used to establish Shaaph's role as the founder or principal figure associated with Madmannah, indicating lineage and settlement 1 Chronicles 2:49.
- H3612 Kâlêb (Caleb, the name of three Israelites): Madmannah is established within the lineage of Caleb, a prominent figure in Israel's history 1 Chronicles 2:49.
- H6860 Tsiqlag (Tsiklag or Tsikelag, a place in Palestine): This city is listed directly with Madmannah in the accounting of Judah's territory, indicating its geographical proximity Joshua 15:31.
The significance of H4089 is rooted in its role within Israel's history and territorial identity.
- Geographical Marker: Madmannah serves as a landmark that helps define the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, specifically in its southern region Joshua 15:31.
- Genealogical Anchor: The town is not just a location but is tied directly to the lineage of a specific family. By identifying Shaaph as its "father," the Bible links the land to the people who settled it 1 Chronicles 2:49.
- Legacy of Settlement: The founding of Madmannah is part of the larger narrative of Israel possessing its promised inheritance, connecting the actions of Caleb's descendants to the establishment of permanent settlements.
In summary, H4089 Madmannâh is more than just a name on a map. It represents a specific place in Palestine that was part of Judah's inheritance. Its biblical mentions are important for both mapping the territory of the tribes and for anchoring that land to the genealogical records of key Israelite families, particularly the descendants of Caleb.
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