Topical Encyclopedia Machaerus is a significant historical and biblical site, known primarily as the fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and subsequently executed. This fortress, located in present-day Jordan, was one of the several strongholds built by Herod the Great. It is strategically positioned on a high hill east of the Dead Sea, offering a commanding view of the surrounding region.Historical Background Machaerus was originally constructed by the Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus in the early 1st century BC. It later came under the control of Herod the Great, who recognized its strategic importance and fortified it further. After Herod's death, the fortress was inherited by his son, Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Biblical Significance The New Testament provides a poignant account of Machaerus in the context of John the Baptist's imprisonment and execution. According to the Gospel of Mark, Herod Antipas had John arrested because John had publicly criticized Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife (Mark 6:17-18). Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought to have him killed. Her opportunity came during Herod's birthday celebration, when her daughter, traditionally identified as Salome, danced before Herod and his guests. Pleased by her performance, Herod promised to grant her any request. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Mark 6:22-25). Though distressed, Herod complied due to his oath and the presence of his guests, leading to John's execution (Mark 6:26-28). Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations at Machaerus have provided valuable insights into the fortress's structure and history. The site includes remnants of Herodian architecture, such as walls, towers, and a palace complex. These findings corroborate historical accounts of Machaerus as a formidable fortress and a place of royal residence. Theological Reflections Machaerus stands as a testament to the cost of prophetic witness and the moral courage exemplified by John the Baptist. His unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even in the face of death, serves as an enduring example for believers. The account of John's martyrdom at Machaerus highlights the tension between worldly power and divine truth, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Cultural and Historical Context Understanding the cultural and historical context of Machaerus enriches the biblical narrative. The fortress's location in Perea, a region under Herod Antipas's jurisdiction, underscores the political dynamics at play during the time of Jesus and John the Baptist. Herod's rule, marked by political maneuvering and moral compromise, contrasts sharply with John's prophetic integrity. Machaerus remains a site of historical and spiritual significance, inviting reflection on the enduring legacy of John the Baptist and the profound impact of his ministry. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Black Fortress, was built by Herod the Great in the gorge of Callirhoe, one of the wadies 9 miles east of the Dead Sea, as a frontier rampart against Arab marauders. John the Baptist was probably cast into the prison connected with this castle by Herod Antipas, whom he had reproved for his adulterous marriage with Herodias. Here Herod "made a supper" on his birthday. He was at this time marching against Aretas, king of Perea, to whose daughter he had been married. During the revelry of the banquet held in the border fortress, to please Salome, who danced before him, he sent an executioner, who beheaded John, and "brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel" (Mark 6:14-29). This castle stood "starkly bold and clear" 3,860 feet above the Dead Sea, and 2,546 above the Mediterranean. Its ruins, now called M'khaur, are still visible on the northern end of Jebel Attarus. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MACHAERUSma-ke'-rus (Machairous): Not mentioned in Scripture, canonical or apocryphal, but its importance in Jewish history justifies its inclusion here. Pliny (NH, v.16, 72) speaks of it as, after Jerusalem, the strongest of Jewish fortresses. It was fortified by Alexander Janneus (BJ, VII, vi, 2). It was taken and destroyed by Gabinius (ibid., I, viii, 5; Ant, XIV, v, 4). Herod the Great restored it and, building a city here, made it one of his residences (BJ, VII, vi, 1, 2). It lay within the tetrarchy assigned to Antipas at the death of Herod. The wife of Antipas, daughter of Aretas, privately aware of his infidelity, asked to be sent hither (Ant., XVIII, v, 1). Here Josephus has fallen into confusion if he meant by the phrase "a place in the borders of the dominions of Aretas and Herod" that it was still in Herod's hands, since immediately he tells us that it was "subject to her father." It was natural enough, however, that a border fortress should be held now by one and now by the other. It may have passed to Aretas by some agreement of which we have no record; and Herod, unaware that his wife knew of his guilt, would have no suspicion of her design in wishing to visit her father. If this is true, then the Baptist could not have been imprisoned and beheaded at Macherus (ibid., 2). The feast given to the lords of Galilee would most probably be held at Tiberias; and there is nothing in the Gospel story to hint that the prisoner was some days' journey distant (Mark 6:14). The citadel was held by a Roman garrison until 66 A.D., which then evacuated it to escape a siege (BJ, II, xviii, 6). Later by means of a stratagem it was recovered for the Romans by Bassus, circa 72 A.D. (BJ, VII, vi, 4). Library The King's Courts The Note of Accusation. Set at Liberty. John the Baptist John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John John's Doubts and Christ's Praise Jealousy of John's Disciples. --Final Testimony of the Baptist. ... The Interest of his Biography. True Greatness The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Thesaurus Machaerus...MACHAERUS. ma-ke'-rus (Machairous): Not mentioned in Scripture, canonical or apocryphal, but its importance in Jewish history justifies its inclusion here. ... /m/machaerus.htm - 9k Macedo'nians (2 Occurrences) Machbanai (1 Occurrence) Salome (2 Occurrences) Herodias (7 Occurrences) John (154 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of Perea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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