or מַעֲכָת; (Joshua 13:13), from מָעַךְ; depression; Maakah (or Maakath), the name of a place in Syria, also of a Mesopotamian, of three Israelites, and of four Israelitesses and one Syrian woman; Maachah, Maachathites. See also בֵּית מַעֲכָה.
Transliteration:Maʻăkâh
Pronunciation:mah-ak-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַעֲכָה (Maʻăkâh), Strong's number `{{H4601}}`, is derived from the verbal root מָעַךְ (maʻakh), Strong's number `{{H4600}}`, which carries the primary meaning "to press," "to squeeze," or "to crush." Consequently, the noun form מַעֲכָה fundamentally denotes "depression," "pressure," or "a crushing." While its etymological root suggests a physical state of being pressed or a geographical depression, its primary semantic range in the biblical text is as a proper noun. It designates both a geographical region and numerous individuals, both male and female, across various periods of Israelite history. The meaning of "depression" or "pressed down" serves as the underlying etymological basis, though its direct application to the character or fate of the individuals bearing the name is not explicitly drawn out in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַעֲכָה (Maʻăkâh) appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily as a proper noun, identifying a region and various individuals.
**Geographical Reference:**
* **Kingdom of Maacah:** This refers to a small Aramean kingdom situated to the east of the Jordan River, near the territory of Geshur. It is mentioned as part of the land inherited by the half-tribe of Manasseh, though the Israelites did not fully dispossess its inhabitants ([[Deuteronomy 3:14]], [[Joshua 12:5]], [[Joshua 13:11]], [[Joshua 13:13]]). The "Maacathites" (מַעֲכָתִי) are the people of this region. This kingdom later became involved in conflicts with Israel, notably during David's reign when the Ammonites hired troops from Maacah in their war against David ([[2 Samuel 10:6]], [[2 Samuel 10:8]], [[1 Chronicles 19:6]], [[1 Chronicles 19:7]]). The related term בֵּית מַעֲכָה (Beth Maʻăkâh), Strong's number `{{H1052}}`, indicates a specific city within or associated with this region.
**Personal Names:**
The name Maacah is borne by several individuals, highlighting its common usage:
* **Male Individuals:**
* **Son of Nahor:** One of the sons of Nahor (Abraham's brother) by his concubine Reumah ([[Genesis 22:24]]). He is listed as an ancestor of a tribal group.
* **Father of Achish:** The father of Achish, king of Gath, to whom Shimei's servants fled ([[1 Kings 2:39]]).
* **Father of Shephatiah:** The father of Shephatiah, the prince of the Simeonites during David's reign ([[1 Chronicles 27:16]]).
* **Female Individuals:**
* **Wife of Machir:** The wife of Machir, son of Manasseh, and mother of Peresh and Sheresh ([[1 Chronicles 7:15-16]]).
* **Wife of David:** The daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and one of David's wives. She was the mother of Absalom and Tamar ([[2 Samuel 3:3]], [[1 Chronicles 3:2]]). Her foreign origin (Geshur was an Aramean kingdom) underscores the political marriages common in that era. Her son Absalom's rebellion and the tragic story of Tamar are central to David's family narrative.
* **Mother/Grandmother of Abijah:** The wife of Rehoboam and mother of Abijah, who succeeded Rehoboam as king of Judah ([[1 Kings 15:2]], [[1 Kings 15:10]], [[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 11:20]], [[2 Chronicles 11:22]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]). She is identified as the daughter of Absalom, suggesting she was David's granddaughter. She held significant influence as the "queen mother" (גְּבִירָה, gevirah) and promoted idolatry, specifically an Asherah pole. King Asa, her grandson, later removed her from her position due to her idolatrous practices ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]).
* **Wife of Jeiel:** A Benjamite, wife of Jeiel, the "father" of Gibeon, and mother of several sons ([[1 Chronicles 8:29]], [[1 Chronicles 9:35]]).
* **Caleb's Concubine:** A concubine of Caleb, the son of Hezron, who bore Sheber and Tirhanah ([[1 Chronicles 2:48]]).
The diverse occurrences of "Maacah" highlight its prevalence as a name and the varied roles individuals bearing it played, from tribal ancestors to royal figures involved in significant historical and theological events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which מַעֲכָה (Maʻăkâh) is derived:
* **מָעַךְ (maʻakh), Strong's number `{{H4600}}`**: This verb means "to press," "to squeeze," or "to crush." Its usage is quite literal, often describing physical actions, such as pressing grapes or crushing something underfoot. While the proper noun "Maacah" means "depression" or "pressed down," the biblical narratives do not explicitly link the fate or character of the individuals named Maacah to this etymological meaning. However, the conceptual link to "pressure" or "being pressed" could subtly resonate, particularly in the context of the kingdom of Maacah being a contested border region or the personal "pressure" and turmoil experienced by figures like David's wife, Maacah, through the actions of her son Absalom, or the political and religious pressure exerted by Maacah, the queen mother.
Other related concepts include:
* **Geographical Names:** Many biblical place names are descriptive of their physical characteristics (e.g., גַּיְא (gai) "valley," הַר (har) "mountain," בְּאֵר (be'er) "well"). "Maacah" as a "depression" fits this pattern.
* **Intermarriage and Foreign Relations:** The instances of Maacah, David's wife (a Geshurite), and the kingdom of Maacah's involvement in regional politics underscore the complex interactions between Israel and surrounding nations, including alliances, conflicts, and the cultural and religious implications of intermarriage.
* **Idolatry and Religious Purity:** The narrative of Maacah, Rehoboam's mother, and her promotion of Asherah worship, along with King Asa's subsequent removal of her, highlights the constant struggle within Israel to maintain covenant faithfulness and resist syncretistic religious practices.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Maacah" emerges not from the etymological meaning of the name itself, but from the narratives in which individuals and places bearing this name are central.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Choices:** The name "Maacah" (depression/pressed down) does not predetermine the fate or character of those who bear it. Instead, the biblical narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty working through, and often in spite of, human choices and their consequences. For instance, the tragic story of Absalom, son of Maacah, is a profound illustration of the ripple effects of sin within a family and nation, yet God's covenant with David remains steadfast.
2. **Consequences of Compromise and Intermarriage:** David's marriage to Maacah, a foreign princess, while politically expedient, introduces a non-Israelite element into the royal lineage. The subsequent actions of her son, Absalom, contribute significantly to the turmoil of David's later reign. This subtly reinforces the broader biblical theme of the dangers of intermarriage with foreign peoples who may not adhere to the covenant, often leading to spiritual and social decay.
3. **The Peril of Idolatry and the Call to Purity:** The most prominent theological lesson associated with a person named Maacah is found in the account of Maacah, the queen mother during the reigns of Rehoboam and Abijah. Her zealous promotion of Asherah worship represents a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. King Asa's decisive action to remove her from her position and destroy her idol ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]) serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of uncompromising faithfulness to God and the importance of leadership in upholding covenant purity against the pervasive threat of idolatry. This narrative underscores the constant vigilance required to maintain the integrity of Israel's relationship with God.
4. **Historical Tapestry of God's People:** The various individuals named Maacah, though seemingly disparate, collectively contribute to the rich and complex tapestry of Israel's history. They represent the diverse human element within God's redemptive plan, showcasing both the struggles and the triumphs of a people called to live in covenant with their Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַעֲכָה (Maʻăkâh), Strong's number `{{H4601}}`, is primarily a proper noun derived from the root meaning "to press" or "depression." While its etymology suggests a state of being "pressed down," its biblical significance lies overwhelmingly in its use as the name for both a geographical region and numerous individuals. The "Kingdom of Maacah" was an Aramean territory east of the Jordan, often involved in Israelite politics and warfare. As a personal name, Maacah was borne by both men and women, appearing across different tribal lineages and historical periods.
Most notably, Maacah was the mother of Absalom by King David, whose tragic rebellion profoundly impacted David's reign. Another prominent Maacah was the influential queen mother during the time of Rehoboam and Abijah, who actively promoted idolatry and was subsequently removed from her position by King Asa due to her unfaithfulness. The occurrences of "Maacah" thus serve as crucial points within the biblical narrative, illustrating themes such as the complexities of foreign relations, the consequences of intermarriage, and the perpetual struggle against idolatry within the covenant community. While the name itself carries a subtle etymological resonance, its true theological weight is found in the narratives that unfold around those who bore it, highlighting divine sovereignty, human choice, and the unwavering call to covenant faithfulness.
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