Biblical Reference:
Maareh-geba is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. The reference can be found in Judges 20:33, which states: "So all the men of Israel got up from their places and took their positions at Baal-tamar, while the Israelites in ambush charged out of their places west of Gibeah."

Context and Location:
Maareh-geba is associated with the events surrounding the civil conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. This conflict arose due to the grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, leading to a call for justice by the other tribes. The term "Maareh-geba" is often understood to refer to a location or a strategic position used by the Israelite forces during the battle against the Benjamites.

The exact location of Maareh-geba is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of Gibeah, which is identified with modern-day Tell el-Ful, north of Jerusalem. The term "Maareh" could imply a field or a plain, suggesting that it was an open area suitable for military maneuvers.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The battle at Maareh-geba is part of a larger narrative that highlights the moral and social decay present in Israel during the time of the Judges. The book of Judges repeatedly emphasizes the theme of Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The incident at Gibeah and the subsequent battle serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the need for righteous leadership.

From a theological perspective, the events at Maareh-geba underscore the importance of justice and the communal responsibility of the tribes of Israel to uphold God's law. The narrative also illustrates the severe repercussions of internal strife and the breakdown of societal order when God's covenant is neglected.

Interpretation and Application:
For readers and believers, the account of Maareh-geba serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral compromise and the necessity of adhering to divine principles. It calls for introspection and a commitment to justice, unity, and faithfulness to God's word. The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in resolving conflicts and to strive for peace and righteousness within their communities.

In summary, Maareh-geba is a significant location in the biblical narrative of Judges, representing both a physical battleground and a spiritual lesson on the importance of justice and obedience to God.MAAREH-GEBA

ma'-a-re-ge'-ba, -ga'-ba (ma`areh gebha`; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Maraagabe; Codex Alexandrinus dusmon tes Gabaa): The place where the men of Israel lay in ambush, from which they broke forth upon the children of Benjamin (Judges 20:33). the King James Version renders "the meadows of Gibeah," the Revised Version margin "the meadow of Geba (or Gibeah)." The Septuagint's Codex Alexandrinus affords a clue to the correct reading. It to read place-name. The text must be emended to read mima`arabh legebha`, "to the West of Geba." Peshitta suggests a reading mime-`arath gebha`, "from the cave of Geba." This, however, there is nothing to warrant.

W. Ewing

1387. Geba -- a Levitical city of Benjamin
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a Levitical city of Benjamin NASB
Word Usage Geba (17), Maareh-geba* (1). Gaba, Geba, Gibeah. ...
/hebrew/1387.htm - 6k

4626. maar -- a bare or naked place
... Word Origin from arah Definition a bare or naked place NASB Word Usage clear space
(1), Maareh-geba* (1), nakedness (1). nakedness, proportion. ...
/hebrew/4626.htm - 6k

Maarehgeba
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAAREH-GEBA. ma'-a-re-ge'-ba, -ga'-ba
(ma`areh gebha`; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Maraagabe; Codex ...
/m/maarehgeba.htm - 7k

Maareh-geba (1 Occurrence)
Maareh-geba. Maarehgeba, Maareh-geba. Maasai . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MAAREH-GEBA. ... (ASV JPS NAS). Maarehgeba, Maareh-geba. Maasai . Reference ...
/m/maareh-geba.htm - 7k

Maareh (1 Occurrence)
... rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the
ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of MaarehGeba. ...
/m/maareh.htm - 6k

Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... river side. (2.) Hebrews ma'areh (Judges 20:33), pl., "meadows of Gibeah"
(RV, after the LXX., "Maareh-geba"). Some have adopted ...
/m/meadow.htm - 12k

Liers-in-wait (10 Occurrences)
... rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal-tamar: and the
liers-in-wait of Israel brake forth out of their place, even out of Maareh-geba. ...
/l/liers-in-wait.htm - 10k

Geba (22 Occurrences)
... rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the
ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of MaarehGeba. ...
/g/geba.htm - 17k

Maasai (1 Occurrence)

/m/maasai.htm - 7k

Positions (41 Occurrences)
... rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the
ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of MaarehGeba. ...
/p/positions.htm - 19k

Baal-tamar (1 Occurrence)
... rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal-tamar: and the
liers-in-wait of Israel brake forth out of their place, even out of Maareh-geba. ...
/b/baal-tamar.htm - 7k

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