Definition and Meaning:
Maareh is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a geographical location. The name "Maareh" is derived from the Hebrew word "מַעֲרֵה" (ma'areh), which can be translated to mean "meadow" or "open field." This term is used to describe a specific site associated with a significant biblical event.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Maareh is found in the Book of Judges. In Judges 20:33, the term is used in the context of a battle between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. The verse states: "Then all the men of Israel rose up out of their place and arrayed themselves at Baal Tamar. And the men of Israel in ambush charged out of their place, west of Gibeah." The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "Then all the men of Israel rose up out of their place and arrayed themselves at Baal Tamar. And the men of Israel in ambush charged out of their place, west of Gibeah."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Maareh is mentioned in the narrative of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. This conflict arose due to a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, leading to a call for justice by the other tribes. The battle described in Judges 20 is one of the most intense and tragic conflicts recorded in the Old Testament, resulting in significant loss of life.

The exact location of Maareh is not definitively known, but it is understood to be in the vicinity of Gibeah, near Baal Tamar. The description of Maareh as a "meadow" or "open field" suggests it was a strategic location for the ambush set by the Israelite forces. This open terrain would have been suitable for the deployment of troops and the execution of military tactics.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Maareh in the biblical narrative underscores the themes of justice, retribution, and the consequences of sin within the community of Israel. The conflict at Gibeah and the subsequent battle highlight the moral and social decay that can occur when God's laws are disregarded. The ambush at Maareh serves as a turning point in the battle, illustrating the importance of strategy and divine providence in achieving victory.

From a theological perspective, the events surrounding Maareh remind believers of the need for communal righteousness and the pursuit of justice according to God's standards. The account also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of internal strife and the devastating impact of sin on a nation.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:
In the broader cultural and literary context of the Bible, Maareh is part of the rich tapestry of place names that contribute to the historical and narrative depth of the Scriptures. The use of specific locations, such as Maareh, provides authenticity and detail to the biblical accounts, allowing readers to engage with the text in a more tangible way.

The account of Maareh in Judges is a vivid example of the narrative style of the Deuteronomistic history, which seeks to convey theological truths through historical events. The detailed description of the battle and the strategic use of the landscape reflect the ancient Near Eastern context in which these accounts were recorded and transmitted.

Conclusion:
While Maareh is a relatively obscure location in the biblical text, its mention in the context of the battle between Israel and Benjamin provides valuable insights into the historical, theological, and cultural dimensions of the Old Testament. The account of Maareh serves as a reminder of the complexities of human conflict and the enduring need for divine guidance and justice.4629. maareh -- meadows
... 4628, 4629. maareh. 4630 . meadows. Transliteration: maareh Phonetic Spelling:
(mah-ar-eh') Short Definition: meadows. ... 4628, 4629. maareh. 4630 . ...
/hebrew/4629.htm - 5k

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

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

Maareh (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Maareh (1 Occurrence). Judges 20:33 All the men
of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves ...
/m/maareh.htm - 6k

Maareh-geba (1 Occurrence)
Maareh-geba. Maarehgeba, Maareh-geba. Maasai . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia MAAREH-GEBA. ma'-a-re-ge'-ba, -ga'-ba (ma ...
/m/maareh-geba.htm - 7k

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

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 Maareh Geba. ...
/g/geba.htm - 17k

Maasai (1 Occurrence)

/m/maasai.htm - 7k

Ma'arath (1 Occurrence)
Ma'arath. Maarath, Ma'arath. Maareh . Multi-Version Concordance Ma'arath (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Maarath, Ma'arath. Maareh . Reference Bible.
/m/ma'arath.htm - 6k

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 Maareh Geba. ...
/p/positions.htm - 19k

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