from מַיִם and דֹּבֶא; water of quiet; Medeba, a place in Palestine; Medeba.
Transliteration:Mêydᵉbâʼ
Pronunciation:may-deb-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun מֵידְבָא (Mêydᵉbâʼ), transliterated as Medeba, is understood to be a compound word derived from two elements. The first is מַיִם (mayim, `{{H4325}}`), meaning "water" or "waters." The second element is generally connected to the concept of quietness or rest, possibly from a root related to דֹּבֶא (dobeh, `{{H1728}}`), which can mean "quietness" or "pasture." Thus, the base definition "water of quiet" or "waters of rest/pasture" is highly probable. This etymology suggests a place characterized by tranquil and abundant water sources, perhaps ideal for grazing livestock, fostering a sense of peace and sustenance. As a geographical proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific location in Transjordan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Medeba (`{{H4311}}`) appears a handful of times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to a significant city in the Transjordanian region. Its occurrences provide insight into the shifting geopolitical landscape of ancient Israel:
* **Numbers 21:30**: Medeba is mentioned as a city taken by the Israelites from Sihon, king of the Amorites, following their wilderness wanderings. This marks its initial inclusion in the territory contested by Israel.
* **Joshua 13:9, 13:16**: In the allocation of land, Medeba is explicitly listed as part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Reuben. This indicates its strategic importance within the Israelite tribal territories east of the Jordan River.
* **1 Chronicles 19:7**: Medeba is the site of a major battle between the forces of King David and a coalition of Ammonites and Arameans. This historical account underscores the city's continued military significance and its role in the broader conflicts of the Davidic monarchy.
* **Isaiah 15:2**: In a prophetic oracle against Moab, Medeba is named among the Moabite cities that will lament and be destroyed. This verse indicates that by the time of Isaiah, Medeba had fallen under Moabite control, highlighting the fluid nature of regional power dynamics and the constant struggle for dominance over this fertile and strategic area.
Across these contexts, Medeba emerges as a key city, often at the crossroads of various empires and peoples, reflecting the tumultuous history of Transjordan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of Medeba inherently connect it to several significant biblical concepts:
* **מַיִם (mayim, `{{H4325}}`)**: "Water" is a fundamental element in biblical thought, symbolizing life, sustenance, cleansing, and divine provision ([[Psalm 23:2]], [[Isaiah 44:3]]). The presence of "waters" in Medeba's name suggests a place of natural abundance.
* **Quietness/Rest**: The second element of the name evokes themes of peace, security, and tranquility, often associated with divine blessing and a state of well-being ([[Psalm 23:2]], [[Psalm 4:8]]).
* **Pasture**: Implied in the sense of "quiet" for grazing, this concept relates to the provision of sustenance and a place of secure dwelling, often linked to the imagery of the shepherd and his flock ([[Psalm 23:1-2]]).
* **Transjordanian Cities**: Medeba is part of a cluster of important cities east of the Jordan, such as Heshbon, Dibon, and Aroer. These cities collectively form a crucial geographical and political region that was frequently contested by Israelites, Moabites, Ammonites, and Arameans. The history of these cities often reflects the broader narrative of territorial claims and conflicts in the ancient Near East.
### Theological Significance
While Medeba itself is a geographical marker, its appearances in the biblical narrative carry indirect theological weight.
Firstly, its inclusion in the land allotted to Reuben ([[Joshua 13:16]]) speaks to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance. Even in contested territories, the divine plan for Israel's settlement unfolds.
Secondly, the city's turbulent history, contrasting sharply with its etymological meaning of "waters of quiet," provides a poignant commentary on the human condition and the fallen world. A place named for tranquility often became a battleground, illustrating the pervasive nature of strife and the elusive character of earthly peace apart from divine intervention. This tension can be seen as a microcosm of the brokenness that prevents true rest and quiet in a world marred by sin.
Finally, Medeba's mention in Isaiah's oracle against Moab ([[Isaiah 15:2]]) demonstrates God's sovereignty not only over Israel but over all nations. The prophetic pronouncements against foreign powers underscore the universal scope of divine judgment and the ultimate accountability of all peoples before the Creator. The lament over Medeba, a city of Moab, signifies the comprehensive nature of God's justice and His control over the rise and fall of kingdoms.
### Summary
Medeba (`{{H4311}}`, מֵידְבָא), meaning "waters of quiet" or "waters of rest/pasture," was a strategically important city located in Transjordan. Its biblical history is marked by shifting allegiances and frequent conflict, initially belonging to the Amorites, then allotted to the Israelite tribe of Reuben, and later coming under Moabite control. The city's name, evocative of peace and sustenance, stands in stark contrast to its often-violent historical reality, serving as a subtle theological commentary on the nature of peace in a fallen world. Its appearances in the Old Testament narratives contribute to the broader themes of Israel's land inheritance, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the universal scope of God's sovereign judgment over all nations and their destinies.
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