Merathaim is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Jeremiah. The name "Merathaim" is often understood to mean "double rebellion" or "double bitterness," and it is used in a prophetic context concerning the judgment of Babylon. The term is mentioned in Jeremiah 50:21, where the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message from the Lord regarding the impending doom of Babylon, a nation that had been an instrument of God's judgment against Judah but was itself subject to divine retribution due to its pride and idolatry.

Biblical Reference:

· Jeremiah 50:21 : "Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Put them to the sword and devote them to destruction, declares the LORD. Do everything I have commanded you."

In this passage, Merathaim is not a geographical location that can be precisely identified on a map. Instead, it is likely a symbolic or poetic name used by Jeremiah to describe the Babylonian empire. The use of such symbolic names is a common feature in prophetic literature, where they serve to convey deeper spiritual truths or divine judgments.

Historical and Theological Context:

The prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50-51 is part of a larger narrative concerning God's sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate plan to restore Israel. Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, had conquered Jerusalem and taken many Israelites into exile. While Babylon was used by God as an instrument of judgment against His people due to their unfaithfulness, the empire's own sins and arrogance would not go unpunished.

The reference to Merathaim in Jeremiah 50:21 is part of a series of oracles against Babylon, emphasizing that the nation's time of judgment had come. The term "Merathaim" underscores the severity of Babylon's rebellion against God, warranting a "double" measure of divine retribution. This reflects the biblical principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions, especially when they act in pride and defiance against His will.

Interpretation and Application:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Merathaim serves as a reminder of God's justice and the certainty of His promises. The fall of Babylon, as prophesied by Jeremiah, illustrates the biblical theme that no empire, regardless of its power and might, can withstand the judgment of God when it acts in opposition to His purposes. This message would have been particularly significant for the exiled Israelites, offering them hope that their oppressors would not prevail indefinitely and that God would ultimately vindicate His people.

In a broader sense, the prophecy against Merathaim and Babylon serves as a warning to all nations and individuals about the consequences of pride and rebellion against God. It calls believers to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or oppressive forces.Merathaim

(double rebellion), The land of, alluding to the country of the Chaldeans, and to the double captivity which it had inflicted on the nation of Israel. (Jeremiah 50:21)

Double rebellion, probably a symbolical name given to Babylon (Jeremiah 50:21), denoting rebellion exceeding that of other nations. MERATHAIM

mer-a-tha'-im (merathayim "double rebellion"): A name used for Babylon in Jeremiah 50:21. According to Delitzsch it may be equivalent to the Babylonian Marratun, i.e. land by the nar Marratu, "the bitter river" (Persian Gulf) = Southern Babylonia (OHL, under the word).

4850. Merathayim -- perhaps "double rebellion," another name for ...
... Transliteration: Merathayim Phonetic Spelling: (mer-aw-thah'-yim) Short Definition:
Merathaim. ... NASB Word Usage Merathaim (1). Merathaim. ...
/hebrew/4850.htm - 6k

Babylonia and Assyria
... In the south the Tigris and Euphrates made their way to the region of salt-marshes,
called Marratu in the inscriptions, Merathaim by the prophet Jeremiah. ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Merathaim (1 Occurrence)
...MERATHAIM. mer-a-tha'-im (merathayim "double rebellion"): A name used for Babylon
in Jeremiah 50:21. ... Multi-Version Concordance Merathaim (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/merathaim.htm - 7k

Meratha'im (1 Occurrence)
Meratha'im. Merathaim, Meratha'im. Mercenaries . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Merathaim, Meratha'im. Mercenaries . Reference Bible.
/m/meratha'im.htm - 6k

Merar'ites (3 Occurrences)
Merar'ites. Merarites, Merar'ites. Merathaim . Multi-Version Concordance
Merar'ites (3 Occurrences). ... Merarites, Merar'ites. Merathaim . Reference Bible
/m/merar'ites.htm - 7k

Pekod (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:21 Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against
the inhabitants of Pekod: kill and utterly destroy after them, says Yahweh ...
/p/pekod.htm - 7k

Babylon (270 Occurrences)
... The salt-marshes at the mouths of the Euphrates and Tigris were called Marratu,
"the bitter" or "salt", the Merathaim of Jeremiah 50:21. ...
/b/babylon.htm - 93k

Posterity (38 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:21 Against the land of Merathaim: Go up against it, and unto the
inhabitants of Pekod, Waste and devote their posterity, An affirmation of Jehovah ...
/p/posterity.htm - 17k

Devote (36 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:21 Against the land of Merathaim: Go up against it, and unto the
inhabitants of Pekod, Waste and devote their posterity, An affirmation of Jehovah ...
/d/devote.htm - 18k

Pursue (104 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:21 Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against
the inhabitants of Pekod: kill and utterly destroy after them, says Yahweh ...
/p/pursue.htm - 38k

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