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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Maʻăkâh** `{{H4601}}`, derived from a root meaning **depression**, is used for both a place in Syria and for multiple individuals in the biblical narrative. It appears **23 times** across **23 unique verses**. The name connects various accounts through geography, military conflict, and the royal genealogies of Israel, particularly within the line of David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4601}}` is used in several key contexts. Geographically, it refers to a small Syrian kingdom whose king and people were hired as mercenaries by the Ammonites to fight against David ([[2 Samuel 10:6]], [[1 Chronicles 19:7]]). The inhabitants of this region, the Maachathites, were not expelled by the Israelites and continued to **dwell** `{{H3427}}` among them [[Joshua 13:13]]. The name is also prominent in genealogies. It is the name of one of David's wives, the daughter of the king of Geshur and mother of Absalom [[2 Samuel 3:3]]. More significantly, Maachah the daughter of Abishalom was the wife of King Rehoboam and the mother of King Abijah ([[1 Kings 15:2]], [[2 Chronicles 11:20]]). She was later removed from her powerful position as **queen** `{{H1377}}` mother by her grandson, King Asa, because she had made an **idol** `{{H4656}}` ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Maachah:
* `{{H4602}}` **Maʻăkâthîy** (a Maakathite, or inhabitant of Maakah): This term identifies the people of the region of Maachah. The Israelites did not expel the **Maachathites** `{{H4602}}`, who lived among them for generations [[Joshua 13:13]].
* `{{H1651}}` **Gᵉshûwrîy** (a Geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of Geshur): The Geshurites were neighbors to the Maachathites and are frequently mentioned alongside them as a people Israel failed to **dispossess** `{{H3423}}` [[Joshua 13:13]].
* `{{H1377}}` **gᵉbîyrâh** (a mistress; queen): This title was held by Maachah as the mother of King Asa until he **removed** `{{H5493}}` her from the position due to her idolatry [[2 Chronicles 15:16]].
* `{{H6370}}` **pîylegesh** (a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour): This term describes the status of two women named Maachah. One was Caleb's **concubine** `{{H6370}}` [[1 Chronicles 2:48]], and another Maachah was born to Nahor's **concubine** `{{H6370}}`, Reumah [[Genesis 22:24]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H4601}}` is primarily seen in its connection to foreign influence and internal purity in Israel.
* **Persistent Foreign Influence:** The kingdom of Maachah represents a foreign political and military entity on Israel's border. Their participation in the war against David [[2 Samuel 10:8]] and Israel's failure to drive out the **Maachathites** `{{H4602}}` illustrates the ongoing challenges of securing the promised land [[Joshua 13:13]].
* **Royal Lineage:** The name appears at critical points in the Davidic dynasty. The marriage of David to Maachah, a foreign princess, produced Absalom, whose rebellion shook the kingdom [[2 Samuel 3:3]]. Later, Rehoboam's love for Maachah led him to appoint her son Abijah as the **ruler** `{{H5057}}` destined for the throne [[2 Chronicles 11:21-22]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness vs. Idolatry:** The account of King Asa deposing his grandmother Maachah is a stark example of religious reform. Her creation of an **idol** `{{H4656}}` prompted Asa to **destroy** `{{H3772}}` the object and remove her from her royal position, prioritizing covenant law over family ties [[1 Kings 15:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4601}}` is more than just a recurring proper name. It serves as a marker for a specific geographical region and for individuals whose lives impacted Israel's history. Through the various figures named Maachah, the Bible explores themes of foreign relations, royal succession, and the critical importance of rejecting idolatry to maintain covenant faithfulness with God.
TRV