Topical Encyclopedia The Ma-ac'athites were an ancient people mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, associated with the region of Maacah. This group is primarily noted in the context of the territorial boundaries and genealogies of the tribes of Israel. The Ma-ac'athites are believed to have inhabited an area near the northeastern border of the land allotted to the Israelites, possibly in the region of modern-day southern Syria or northern Jordan.Biblical References The Ma-ac'athites are first mentioned in the context of the conquest of the Promised Land. In Joshua 13:11, the territory of the Ma-ac'athites is described as part of the land that remained to be conquered by the Israelites: "and Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah." This passage indicates that the Ma-ac'athites lived in proximity to the Geshurites, another non-Israelite group, and that their land was part of the larger region of Bashan. In 2 Samuel 10:6, the Ma-ac'athites are mentioned in the context of a military alliance against King David: "When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, they sent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and the men of Tob." This verse highlights the Ma-ac'athites' involvement in regional politics and warfare, aligning themselves with other groups against the expanding power of Israel under David. Cultural and Historical Context The Ma-ac'athites, like many of the smaller groups mentioned in the Old Testament, were likely a semi-nomadic people with their own distinct culture and social structure. Their mention alongside the Geshurites and other Aramean groups suggests they were part of the broader Aramean cultural sphere, which was characterized by a network of small kingdoms and tribal groups in the region. The name "Maacah" itself is also associated with individuals in the Bible, such as Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, who became one of David's wives and the mother of Absalom (2 Samuel 3:3). This connection further illustrates the interwoven relationships between the Israelites and the surrounding peoples, including the Ma-ac'athites. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the Ma-ac'athites, like other non-Israelite groups mentioned in the Bible, serve as a reminder of the diverse and complex world in which the Israelites lived. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the challenges and interactions faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the land promised to them by God. The Ma-ac'athites' involvement in conflicts with Israel also highlights the theme of divine providence and protection, as God guided and defended His chosen people amidst a landscape of political and military threats. The Ma-ac'athites, though a minor group in the biblical record, contribute to the rich tapestry of peoples and cultures that form the backdrop of the Old Testament narrative, illustrating the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites. Concordance Ma-ac'athites (4 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 3:14 Joshua 12:5 Joshua 13:11 Joshua 13:13 Thesaurus Ma-ac'athites (4 Occurrences)Ma-ac'athites. Maacathites, Ma-ac'athites. Maachah . Multi-Version Concordance Ma-ac'athites (4 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair ... /m/ma-ac'athites.htm - 7k Maachah (19 Occurrences) Maacathites (4 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to walk through the valley of the shadow of death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Full Gospel church? | GotQuestions.org What is the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |