### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Masrêqâh**, represented by `{{H4957}}`, is defined as a place in Idumaea, also meaning vineyard. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, serving exclusively to identify the origin of an Edomite king within a genealogical listing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4957}}` appears in two parallel passages that record the lineage of the kings of Edom. Both [[Genesis 36:36]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:47]] state that after the king named Hadad `{{H1908}}` died `{{H4191}}`, a man named Samlah `{{H8072}}` from **Masrekah** reigned `{{H4427}}` in his place. The mention of this location serves to ground the historical account of this royal succession in a specific geographical context.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for Masrekah's appearance in scripture:
* `{{H8072}}` **Samlâh** (Samlah, an Edomite): This is the king who came from Masrekah. He is directly identified as "Samlah of Masrekah" in the only two verses where the location is mentioned [[Genesis 36:36]].
* `{{H1908}}` **Hădad** (Hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of Edom): This was the king whose death `{{H4191}}` prompted the transfer of power to Samlah of Masrekah [[1 Chronicles 1:47]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This verb is used to describe the action taken by Samlah of Masrekah, who "reigned" after Hadad's death, establishing the political context for the mention of the place [[Genesis 36:36]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): The death of Hadad is the specific event that triggers the rise of Samlah from Masrekah, linking the place name to a moment of royal transition [[1 Chronicles 1:47]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4957}}` is a geographical name and not a theological concept, its usage within the biblical text highlights a specific narrative function:
* **Royal Succession:** Masrekah is mentioned only in the context of the transfer of power within the Edomite monarchy. Its appearance marks the specific point where the reign of Hadad `{{H1908}}` ends and the reign of Samlah `{{H8072}}` begins [[Genesis 36:36]].
* **Geographical Identity:** The practice of identifying a ruler by their place of origin, as in "Samlah of Masrekah," is a common biblical convention that anchors individuals within the historical and geographical landscape [[1 Chronicles 1:47]].
* **Historical Record:** The inclusion of Masrekah in the detailed genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles demonstrates the Bible's commitment to recording the histories of surrounding nations, in this case, the lineage of the kings of Edom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4957}}` is a proper noun for a location whose significance is entirely derived from its association with a single individual in the Old Testament. Though mentioned only twice, Masrekah serves the important function of providing a specific, verifiable detail in the historical record of Edom's royal line. It anchors the account of King Samlah's reign to a particular place, reinforcing the historicity of the biblical genealogies.
TRV