Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Mareshah" is believed to derive from a root meaning "summit" or "head," suggesting a place of prominence or leadership. This is fitting given its historical and biblical significance.

Biblical References:
Mareshah is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the tribal allotments and historical narratives of the Kingdom of Judah.

1. Tribal Allotment:
Mareshah is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the lowland region of Judah. Joshua 15:44 states, "Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah—nine cities, along with their villages."

2. Rehoboam's Fortifications:
During the reign of King Rehoboam, Mareshah was fortified as part of a defensive strategy against potential invasions. 2 Chronicles 11:8 records, "Gath, Mareshah, and Ziph."

3. Battle of Mareshah:
One of the most notable events associated with Mareshah is the battle between King Asa of Judah and Zerah the Cushite. This battle is detailed in 2 Chronicles 14:9-12, where Asa calls upon the LORD for deliverance, and God grants him victory. The text states, "Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and they came as far as Mareshah."

4. Prophetic Mention:
The prophet Micah references Mareshah in his lament over the cities of Judah, using a play on words to convey impending judgment. Micah 1:15 states, "I will again bring a conqueror against you, O inhabitant of Mareshah; the glory of Israel will come to Adullam."

Historical and Archaeological Significance:
Mareshah was an important city in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. It played a significant role in the defense and administration of the southern kingdom. Archaeological excavations at Tel Maresha have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including Hellenistic-period remains, which provide insight into the city's history and culture. The site is part of the larger Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park in modern-day Israel.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In the biblical narrative, Mareshah serves as a backdrop for themes of divine intervention and judgment. The city's fortification by Rehoboam and the subsequent battle during Asa's reign highlight the ongoing struggle for security and faithfulness in the face of external threats. The prophetic mention by Micah underscores the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the people of Judah.

Theological Implications:
Mareshah's biblical accounts emphasize the importance of reliance on God for deliverance and protection. The victory granted to Asa at Mareshah serves as a testament to the power of prayer and divine intervention. Additionally, the prophetic warning in Micah serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's covenant.

Conclusion:
Mareshah stands as a testament to the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the biblical narrative. Its mention in various contexts highlights its significance in the history of Judah and its enduring legacy in the biblical tradition.Mareshah or Mareshah

(crest of a hill), one of the cities of Judah in the low country. (Joshua 15:44) It was one of the cities fortified and garrisoned by Rehoboam after the rupture with the northern kingdom. (2 Chronicles 11:8) Near it was fought the great battle between Asa and Zerah. (2 Chronicles 14:9-12) It is mentioned once or twice in the history of the Maccabaean war of independence. 2 Macc. 12:35. About 110 B.C. it was taken from the Idumaeans by John Hyrcanus. It was in ruins in the fourth century, when Eusebius and Jerome describe it as in the second mile from Eleutheropolis. South-southwest of Beitjibrin --in all probability Eleutheropolis-and it little over a Roman mile therefrom is a site called Marash , which is possibly the representative of the ancient Mareshah.

4762. Mareshah -- a place in Judah, also two Israelites
Mareshah or Mareshah. 4761, 4762. Mareshah or Mareshah. 4763 . a place
in Judah, also two Israelites. Transliteration: Mareshah ...
/hebrew/4762.htm - 6k

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... him, with a great army, of nine hundred thousand footmen, and one hundred thousand
horsemen, and three hundred chariots, and came as far as Mareshah, a city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... territory. With this agrees the connection in which it is named (1:13-15); for
Lachish, Mareshah, and Adullam also lay in that direction. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 2 Chronicles 11:6-10, where we find a list of the towns fortified by Rehoboam:
Bethlehem, Etam, Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, Adoraim ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... Then skirting the country of the Horites and Gittites, Mareshah, Edom, and Lachish,
and traversing the lonely wastes of the desert where the tracks of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

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