### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV