### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Marʼêshâh**, represented by `{{H4762}}`, is used as the name of two Israelites and a place in Palestine, with a base meaning of **summit**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses**, primarily in the historical and prophetic books.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Mareshah is identified as a city within the territory of Judah [[Joshua 15:44]]. It was one of the cities fortified by King Rehoboam [[2 Chronicles 11:8]]. The location served as a significant battleground where King Asa went out and set the battle in array against a massive Ethiopian army [[2 Chronicles 14:10]]. Mareshah was also the hometown of the prophet Eliezer, who prophesied against King Jehoshaphat [[2 Chronicles 20:37]]. The name also appears in genealogies as a descendant of Caleb [[1 Chronicles 2:42]] and as a descendant of Shelah, the son of Judah [[1 Chronicles 4:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which Mareshah appears:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This term defines Mareshah’s status as a populated and guarded place. It is listed among nine **cities** with their villages belonging to Judah [[Joshua 15:44]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (battle): This word highlights a key event associated with the location, when Asa prepared for **battle** at Mareshah [[2 Chronicles 14:10]].
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy): This action is directly linked to a resident of Mareshah, as Eliezer **prophesied** against the king of Judah [[2 Chronicles 20:37]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): This term connects Mareshah to the genealogical record, noting the **families** of the house of them that wrought fine linen descending from Laadah, the father of Mareshah [[1 Chronicles 4:21]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4762}}` is rooted in its role within the tribe of Judah.
* **Geopolitical Importance:** As a fortified city [[2 Chronicles 11:8]] and the site of a major military conflict [[2 Chronicles 14:9]], Mareshah was a strategic location for the defense and history of the kingdom of Judah.
* **Prophetic Voice:** The city produced the prophet Eliezer, who delivered a direct word from the Lord concerning the consequences of a king's actions. This demonstrates that even provincial towns were sources of divine guidance and accountability [[2 Chronicles 20:37]].
* **Genealogical Identity:** Mareshah's inclusion in the lines of both Caleb and Shelah grounds it firmly within the heritage of Judah, connecting the place to the tribe's foundational lineages ([[1 Chronicles 2:42]], [[1 Chronicles 4:21]]).
* **Subject of Prophecy:** The city itself becomes the subject of divine address in the prophecy of Micah, which foretells of an heir being brought to its inhabitants, linking the location to future judgment and promise [[Micah 1:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4762}}` is a name that functions as both a personal and a place-based anchor in the story of Judah. It represents a physical city with a role in Israel's military history, a source of prophetic ministry, and a name embedded in the tribe's genealogical identity. Through its varied appearances, Mareshah illustrates the intersection of family, land, and divine purpose in the biblical account.
TRV