Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: Maareh-geba is mentioned in the context of the battle between the Israelites and the Ammonites during the time of the judges. The specific reference is found in Judges 20:33. Scriptural Context: In the narrative of Judges 20, the tribes of Israel are engaged in a civil conflict with the tribe of Benjamin. This conflict arises after a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, which leads to a call for justice by the other tribes. The Israelites gather to seek retribution against the Benjamites, who refuse to surrender the perpetrators. Judges 20:33 states: "Then all the men of Israel rose up from their places and arrayed themselves at Baal-tamar, while the men in ambush of Israel charged from their position west of Gibeah." The term "Maareh-geba" is often understood to refer to a location or a strategic position related to this ambush. Geographical and Historical Insights: The exact location of Maareh-geba is not definitively known, and it is subject to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that it may refer to a specific area near Gibeah, possibly a field or a plain that was significant for the military strategy employed by the Israelites. The term "Maareh" could imply a clearing or an open space, which would be suitable for setting an ambush. The mention of Maareh-geba highlights the tactical maneuvers used by the Israelites in their battle against the Benjamites. The ambush played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of the Benjamite forces, as it allowed the Israelites to gain a strategic advantage. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the events surrounding Maareh-geba underscore themes of justice, unity, and the consequences of sin within the community of Israel. The civil war against Benjamin serves as a somber reminder of the moral and social decay that can occur when God's laws are disregarded. The Israelites' eventual victory, facilitated by their strategic use of Maareh-geba, also reflects the importance of divine guidance and wisdom in overcoming internal strife. Cultural and Literary Aspects: The account of Maareh-geba is part of the larger narrative cycle in the Book of Judges, which illustrates the cyclical pattern of Israel's faithfulness and apostasy. The account is rich in dramatic tension and serves as a narrative device to convey the gravity of Israel's internal conflicts during the period of the judges. In summary, Maareh-geba, though briefly mentioned, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of a significant event in Israel's history. It serves as a backdrop for the themes of justice, divine intervention, and the complexities of human conflict within the biblical narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAAREH-GEBAma'-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. Thesaurus Maarehgeba/m/maarehgeba.htm - 7k Maareh (1 Occurrence) Maareh-geba (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |