of foreign derivation; Mesha, a place in Arabia; Mesha.
Transliteration:Mêshâʼ
Pronunciation:may-shaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מֵשָׁא (Mêshâʼ), Strong's H4852, is identified as a proper noun of "foreign derivation." This indicates that its etymology is not rooted in Hebrew linguistic structures, suggesting an adoption from a non-Hebrew language, likely a regional dialect of ancient Arabia. Its semantic range is singularly focused: it designates a specific geographical location, "Mesha," described as "a place in Arabia." Therefore, its core meaning is strictly locative, serving to identify a particular point on the ancient Arabian landscape. It does not carry broader conceptual or abstract meanings within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מֵשָׁא (Mêshâʼ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Genesis 10:30]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the "Table of Nations," a genealogical and geographical account of the descendants of Noah following the Flood.
The verse reads: "Their dwelling place stretched from Mesha in the direction of Sephar, the hill country of the east."
Contextually, Mesha functions as a geographical marker, defining one boundary of the territory inhabited by the descendants of Joktan, a son of Eber, who was a descendant of Shem. The Joktanites are widely understood to have settled in various parts of ancient Arabia, particularly the southern and southwestern regions. The mention of Mesha alongside Sephar (`{{H5608}}`), described as "the hill country of the east," helps to delineate the vast expanse of their habitation. Mesha likely marks the western or northern extent of this territory, with Sephar indicating the eastern or southeastern limit. The inclusion of such a specific, albeit obscure, location underscores the detailed nature of the biblical record concerning the early distribution of peoples.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that מֵשָׁא (Mêshâʼ) is a proper noun of foreign derivation, it does not have direct Hebrew cognates or synonyms. However, it is intrinsically related to several broader biblical concepts and geographical terms:
* **Genealogy and Territorial Demarcation:** As part of the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10]]), Mesha is linked to the meticulous mapping of early human settlements and the division of the earth among Noah's descendants. This relates it to other place names and tribal designations found in this chapter, such as Havilah (`{{H2341}}`), Hazarmaveth (`{{H2695}}`), and Uzal (`{{H187}}`), all associated with the Joktanite lineage and Arabian geography.
* **Ancient Arabian Geography:** The identification of Mesha as "a place in Arabia" connects it to the broader study of the ancient Near East's geography, particularly the Arabian Peninsula. Its precise location remains a subject of scholarly debate, but its placement within the Joktanite territory points towards southern or southwestern Arabia.
* **Divine Ordering of Creation:** The very existence of such precise geographical markers within the biblical narrative, even for seemingly minor locations, speaks to the overarching concept of God's sovereign ordering of the world and humanity's dispersion.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single, brief mention, the inclusion of מֵשָׁא (Mêshâʼ) in the biblical text carries subtle yet profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** The meticulous detailing of the Table of Nations, including specific geographical boundaries like Mesha, testifies to God's sovereign ordering of creation and the precise, intentional distribution of peoples across the earth. It underscores that human history and geography are not random but fall under divine providence.
* **Universality of God's Plan:** The scope of the Table of Nations, encompassing peoples even in distant lands like Mesha, highlights the universality of God's dominion. All nations, whether known or obscure, are part of His created order. This foreshadows the universal reach of God's redemptive plan, which extends beyond a single nation to encompass "all the families of the earth" ([[Genesis 12:3]]).
* **Historical Veracity of Scripture:** The inclusion of specific, geographically identifiable (even if debated) locations like Mesha lends historical and geographical grounding to the biblical narrative. It suggests that the biblical account is rooted in real-world existence and verifiable details, affirming its reliability as a historical document.
* **Fulfillment of the Blessing:** The expansion and settlement of humanity, reaching as far as Mesha, is a testament to the fulfillment of the divine blessing given to Noah's descendants to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" ([[Genesis 9:1]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew term מֵשָׁא (Mêshâʼ), H4852, is a proper noun of foreign origin, serving exclusively as the name of a specific geographical location in Arabia. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Genesis 10:30]] positions it as a boundary marker for the territory of the Joktanite descendants of Shem within the Table of Nations. While its precise location remains debated, its inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record regarding the early distribution of peoples. Theologically, Mesha's presence in the text subtly reinforces the concepts of God's sovereign ordering of creation, the universality of His dominion over all peoples and lands, and the historical grounding of the biblical narrative. It is a quiet testament to the divine plan for humanity's settlement and the eventual global reach of God's redemptive purposes.
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