Topical Encyclopedia Overview: Medaba, also known as Medeba, is an ancient city located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It holds historical and biblical significance, particularly in the context of Israel's interactions with neighboring nations. Medaba is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting its strategic and cultural importance during biblical times. Biblical References: Medaba is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers as part of the territory that the Israelites encountered during their wilderness journey. In Numbers 21:30, the city is referenced in the context of Israel's conquest over the Amorites: "But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon; we have laid waste as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba." This passage indicates Medaba's proximity to other significant locations and its inclusion in the broader narrative of Israel's conquests. In the Book of Joshua, Medaba is listed among the cities on the plateau of Moab that were allotted to the tribe of Reuben. Joshua 13:9 states, "from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, and from the city in the middle of the valley, and all the tableland of Medeba as far as Dibon." This allocation underscores Medaba's role within the tribal divisions of the Promised Land. The city is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 19:7, during the account of King David's military campaigns. The passage describes how the Ammonites hired chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, Aram-maacah, and Zobah to fight against Israel, and they gathered at Medaba: "So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, along with the king of Maacah and his troops, who came and camped near Medeba, while the Ammonites gathered from their cities and came out for battle." Historical and Archaeological Significance: Medaba is renowned for its historical and archaeological significance, particularly due to the discovery of the Medaba Map, a Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land. This map, found in the floor of a church in Medaba, provides valuable insights into the geography and settlements of the region during the 6th century AD. The city's strategic location on the King's Highway, an ancient trade route, contributed to its prominence in various historical periods. Medaba's position made it a focal point for trade, military campaigns, and cultural exchanges between different civilizations. Cultural and Religious Context: In biblical times, Medaba was part of the Moabite territory, a region often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, had a complex relationship with the Israelites, marked by both hostility and kinship. Medaba's inclusion in the tribal allotments of Reuben reflects the shifting control and influence in the region. The city's mention in the context of military campaigns and alliances highlights its strategic importance. Medaba served as a gathering point for armies and a site of conflict, illustrating the broader geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. Conclusion: Medaba's biblical references and archaeological findings underscore its significance in the historical and religious landscape of the ancient Near East. As a city that witnessed the ebb and flow of empires and cultures, Medaba remains a testament to the rich tapestry of biblical history. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEDABAmed'-a-ba: The Greek form of "Medeba" in 1 Maccabees 9:36. Library How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And How Antiochus, who was Called Dionysus, and after Him Aretas Made ... How, after the Death of Antiochus, Hyrcanus Made an Expedition ... Concerning the Successors of Judas, who were Jonathan and Simon ... The War Between Aristobulus and Hyrcanus About the Kingdom; Thesaurus Medaba... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEDABA. med'-a-ba: The Greek form of "Medeba" in 1 Maccabees 9:36. ... /m/medaba.htm - 6k Medad (2 Occurrences) Medeba (5 Occurrences) Meco'nah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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