The Hebrew name Mattân, represented by H4977, is found in scripture identifying two separate individuals: a priest of Baal and an Israelite. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses. The name's significance is primarily derived from its association with the priest of Baal, whose story is a key event in a moment of religious and political reform in Judah.
The biblical narrative presents H4977 in two distinct contexts. The most detailed account is of Mattan, the priest H3548 of Baal H1168. In a decisive action of religious purification, "all the people of the land" went to the house of Baal, tore it down, and broke its altars H4196 and images H6754 to pieces. In this event, they slew H2026 Mattan before the altars (2 Kings 11:18, 2 Chronicles 23:17). A different Mattan is mentioned as the father of Shephatiah, one of the officials who heard the prophecies of Jeremiah Jeremiah 38:1.
The narrative surrounding Mattan the priest is illuminated by several related Hebrew words:
- H1168 Baʻal: This word identifies the Phoenician deity that Mattan served. The worship of Baal was a recurring source of idolatry in Israel, often involving practices condemned by the LORD Jeremiah 7:9. Mattan's identity is inseparable from this false god.
- H3548 kôhên: This term for priest defines Mattan's role as one officiating in the worship of Baal. While Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests H3548 to the LORD Exodus 19:6, figures like Mattan represented a counterfeit priesthood dedicated to other gods.
- H2026 hârag: Meaning to slay or smite with deadly intent, this root describes the violent end of Mattan. His death was not an accident but a deliberate act to purge the land of Baal worship 2 Kings 11:18.
- H5422 nâthats: This word, meaning to tear down or destroy, is used to describe the fate of the house of Baal where Mattan served. The complete destruction of the temple was a direct judgment on the idolatry it represented 2 Chronicles 23:17.
The story of Mattan the priest carries significant theological weight concerning idolatry and divine judgment.
- The Fate of False Leadership: As a priest H3548 of Baal H1168, Mattan represents religious authority leading people astray. His death underscores the severe consequences for those who promote worship of false gods over the LORD.
- Purging of Idolatry: The context of Mattan's death is a comprehensive removal of pagan influence. The people H5971 not only slew H2026 the priest but also tore down H5422 the house of Baal and broke his altars H4196 and images H6754 2 Kings 11:18, signifying a total rejection of this worship.
- Judgment at the Altar: Mattan is slain "before the altars" 2 Chronicles 23:17, the very center of his illicit worship. This detail highlights a theme of divine justice, where the penalty for the sin is executed at the site of the transgression.
In summary, while H4977 Mattân appears as a simple name, its primary use in scripture is tied to the dramatic account of Mattan, the priest of Baal. His story is not merely biographical but serves as a stark illustration of the judgment against idolatry. The narrative of his death during the destruction of Baal's temple provides a powerful lesson on religious fidelity and the consequences of leading a people H5971 away from the one true God.
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