a variation for מַדְמֵנָה; Madmannah, a place in Palestine; Madmannah.
Transliteration:Madmannâh
Pronunciation:mad-man-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַדְמַנָּה (Madmannâh, `{{H4089}}`) denotes a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. Its definition explicitly identifies it as a variation of מַדְמֵנָה (Madmenah, `{{H4088}}`). While the precise etymology of Madmenah is debated, it is often linked to the concept of a "dunghill" or "place of dung," suggesting a site perhaps associated with refuse or, conversely, with fertile ground. For Madmannah, the primary semantic range is strictly geographical, referring to a town within the territory of Judah. Its meaning is thus tied to its identity as a place name rather than an abstract concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Madmannah appears in two principal biblical contexts, both providing insight into its geographical and historical significance within the Israelite settlement.
1. **[[Joshua 15:31]]**: Here, Madmannah is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Negeb, the southern district of their inheritance. It is grouped with other towns such as Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susim. This placement underscores its status as an established settlement within the promised land, part of the divine distribution of territory to the twelve tribes. The meticulous listing of these cities in Joshua highlights the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 2:49]]**: In this genealogical record, Madmannah is mentioned in connection with the descendants of Caleb. It states, "And Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah." This verse suggests that Madmannah was either a place founded or significantly associated with a descendant named Shaaph, or perhaps Shaaph was the progenitor of a clan that settled or was prominent in Madmannah. The inclusion of place names within genealogies often indicates a strong tribal or familial connection to specific territories, reinforcing their claim and heritage within the land of Israel.
These two occurrences establish Madmannah as a real, identifiable location within Judah, integral to both the tribal inheritance and the lineage of a significant figure like Caleb.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is מַדְמֵנָה (Madmenah, `{{H4088}}`), which Madmannah is explicitly stated to be a variation of. Madmenah itself appears in prophetic contexts (e.g., [[Jeremiah 48:2]] where it is associated with Moab's destruction). The linguistic connection suggests a shared etymological root, potentially hinting at a similar characteristic (e.g., a place of refuse or fertility). Beyond this direct lexical link, Madmannah is conceptually related to:
* **Tribal Allotments**: The division of the land among the tribes of Israel, a central theme in the Book of Joshua.
* **Cities of Judah**: Madmannah is one of many towns enumerated as part of Judah's inheritance.
* **Genealogies**: The detailed lineage records in Chronicles, which often intertwine personal names with geographical locations, demonstrating the deep connection between people, land, and heritage.
* **Negeb**: The arid southern region of Judah, highlighting the challenges and provisions associated with settlement in this area.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical entity, Madmannah's theological significance is primarily derived from its inclusion in the biblical narrative of Israel's possession of the promised land. Its presence in the tribal allotment of Judah in [[Joshua 15:31]] underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]]; [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). Every city, even those seemingly minor like Madmannah, represents a tangible piece of God's divine provision and the establishment of His people in their designated inheritance.
Furthermore, its mention in the genealogy of Caleb in [[1 Chronicles 2:49]] connects Madmannah to the lineage of a faithful servant of God who fully followed the Lord ([[Numbers 14:24]]). This highlights the continuity of God's people and their rootedness in the land, not merely as an abstract concept but as a physical reality passed down through generations. The very existence and naming of such places, even with potentially humble origins suggested by its root (if related to "dunghill"), testify to God's sovereignty over all places and His meticulous ordering of the world for His purposes. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant locations play a part in the grand tapestry of redemptive history.
### Summary
Madmannah (מַדְמַנָּה, `{{H4089}}`) is a geographical place name, a town located in the Negeb region within the tribal territory of Judah. It is considered a variation of Madmenah (`{{H4088}}`). Biblically, Madmannah is attested in [[Joshua 15:31]] as part of Judah's inheritance and in [[1 Chronicles 2:49]] within the genealogy of Caleb, highlighting a familial connection to the place. Its significance is rooted in its role in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land of Israel, the meticulous division of territory among the tribes, and the enduring heritage of God's people within their divinely appointed dwelling places.
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