patrial from מַעֲכָה; a Maakathite, or inhabitant of Maakah; Maachathite.
Transliteration:Maʻăkâthîy
Pronunciation:mah-ak-aw-thee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַעֲכָתִי (Maʻăkâthîy), Strong's number `{{H4602}}`, is a gentilic noun, meaning "of Maakah" or "an inhabitant of Maakah." It is derived directly from the geographical name מַעֲכָה (Maʻăkâ), `{{H4601}}`. As a patrial adjective or noun, its semantic range is narrow and precise, serving primarily to identify individuals or groups by their origin from the region of Maakah. This region was a small Aramean kingdom located to the northeast of the Promised Land, near Mount Hermon and the territory of Bashan. Thus, a "Maachathite" is simply one who hails from this specific geo-political entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term "Maachathite" appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in historical and genealogical contexts. Its occurrences shed light on the geographical and political landscape of ancient Israel.
In [[Deuteronomy 3:14]], the territory of Maakah is mentioned in the description of the land allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, specifically in relation to Jair's taking of the region of Argob. This indicates Maakah's proximity to Israelite territory, particularly east of the Jordan. Similarly, [[Joshua 12:5]] lists the kingdom of Maakah as part of the boundaries of Og, king of Bashan, further solidifying its location in the northern Transjordan.
Crucially, [[Joshua 13:11]] and [[Joshua 13:13]] explicitly state that the Israelites did not drive out the Maachathites (along with the Geshurites) when they conquered the land. This highlights a significant failure in Israel's complete obedience to God's command to dispossess all inhabitants of Canaan. The Maachathites, therefore, remained a distinct, unconquered people living within or bordering the divinely promised inheritance.
Later, in the time of David, Maakah is depicted as a distinct political entity capable of supplying military aid. In [[2 Samuel 10:6]] and [[1 Chronicles 19:7]], the Ammonites hire mercenaries from various Aramean kingdoms, including Maakah, to fight against David. This demonstrates Maakah's continuing independence and its role in regional conflicts.
A notable individual instance is found in [[2 Samuel 23:34]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:36]], where Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai the Maachathite is listed among David's elite "mighty men." This inclusion is significant, as it shows an individual from an unconquered, often hostile, nation serving loyally within the ranks of Israel's most distinguished warriors. This suggests either a personal conversion, a shift in allegiance, or a unique instance of integration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the place name itself, מַעֲכָה (Maʻăkâ), `{{H4601}}`. Understanding the geopolitical significance of Maakah is essential to understanding the Maachathites. It was an Aramean kingdom, often associated with other Aramean states like Zobah and Beth-rehob.
The concept of "Maachathite" is also related to the broader biblical theme of "unconquered peoples" or "remnant nations" within the Promised Land. These include the Geshurites, Hivites, and others whom Israel failed to dispossess. Their continued presence served as a test for Israel's faithfulness ([[Judges 2:20-23]]) and often became a source of idolatry and conflict.
Furthermore, the individual case of Eliphelet the Maachathite connects to the theme of "foreigners" or "sojourners" (גֵּר, `{{H1616}}`) who, despite their non-Israelite origin, could come to serve Yahweh or His chosen king. This foreshadows the later inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the Maachathites primarily revolves around the theme of Israel's incomplete obedience and the consequences thereof. God had explicitly commanded Israel to drive out all the inhabitants of the land ([[Numbers 33:52-53]]; [[Deuteronomy 7:1-5]]). The failure to dispossess the Maachathites, among others, represents a direct contravention of this divine mandate. This disobedience led to a persistent foreign presence that could, and often did, become a snare to Israel, tempting them towards idolatry and presenting military threats.
The continued existence of the Maachathites underscores the tension between God's perfect will for His people and their human failings. It highlights that the "promised land" was not automatically pure but required constant vigilance and obedience to maintain its sanctity. The presence of such peoples served as a perpetual reminder of Israel's covenant responsibilities and the consequences of their neglect.
However, the inclusion of Eliphelet the Maachathite among David's mighty men offers a counter-narrative. It subtly points to God's sovereign ability to draw individuals from any nation into His service and purposes, even from those who represent Israel's past failures. This foreshadows the New Covenant reality where national origin gives way to faith as the basis for inclusion in God's people.
### Summary
The term מַעֲכָתִי (Maʻăkâthîy) identifies an inhabitant of Maakah, a small Aramean kingdom situated on the northeastern border of ancient Israel. Biblically, the Maachathites are significant primarily because they were one of the peoples whom the Israelites failed to dispossess from the Promised Land, representing a critical instance of Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command. Their continued presence contributed to the complex geopolitical landscape of the region and sometimes posed a threat or challenge to Israel. The singular example of Eliphelet the Maachathite serving among David's elite warriors, however, provides an intriguing counterpoint, hinting at the potential for individuals from outside the covenant community to be integrated into God's purposes, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the broader inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.
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