Topical Encyclopedia Mesech is a name that appears in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament, and is associated with a people and a region. The name is often mentioned in genealogical and prophetic contexts, providing insight into the ancient world and its peoples.Genealogical Context Mesech is first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the Flood. Mesech is listed as one of the sons of Japheth: "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras." (Genesis 10:2) This genealogical listing places Mesech among the early postdiluvian nations, suggesting a connection to the broader Japhetic lineage, which is traditionally associated with the peoples of Europe and parts of Asia. Geographical and Historical Context The identification of Mesech with a specific geographical region has been the subject of scholarly debate. Historically, Mesech is often associated with the Mushki, an ancient people who lived in the region of Anatolia, corresponding to modern-day Turkey. This association is supported by the proximity of Mesech to other names in the Table of Nations, such as Tubal, which is also linked to regions in Anatolia. Prophetic Context Mesech is also mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 27, Mesech is noted for its trade relations with the city of Tyre: "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants; they exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise." (Ezekiel 27:13) This passage highlights Mesech's role in the ancient economy, emphasizing its involvement in trade and commerce. The mention of slaves and bronze utensils suggests a society engaged in both the production of goods and the exchange of human labor. In Ezekiel 38, Mesech is mentioned in a prophetic oracle against Gog, a figure representing a coalition of nations opposed to Israel: "Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him" (Ezekiel 38:2) Here, Mesech is part of a larger eschatological narrative, where it is depicted as a participant in a future conflict against God's people. This association with Gog and Magog has led to various interpretations regarding the end times and the role of these nations in biblical prophecy. Cultural and Theological Significance The references to Mesech in the Bible provide a glimpse into the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and their impact on biblical history. Mesech's inclusion in genealogical records underscores the unity of humanity under God's creation, while its role in trade and prophecy highlights the dynamic interactions between nations. From a theological perspective, the mention of Mesech in prophetic contexts serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate plan for history. The prophetic oracles involving Mesech and its allies illustrate the ongoing spiritual battle between the forces opposed to God and His divine purposes for His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MESHECH; MESECHme'-shek, me'-sek (meshekh, "long," "tall"; Mosoch): Son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2 1 Chronicles 1:5; 1 Chronicles 1:17 is a scribal error for "Mash"; compare Genesis 10:22, 23). His descendants and their dwelling-place (probably somewhere in the neighborhood of armenia (Herodotus iii.94)) seem to be regarded in Scripture as synonyms for the barbaric and remote (Psalm 120:5; compare Isaiah 66:19, where Meshech should be read instead of "that draw the bow"). It is thought that the "Tibareni and Moschi" of the classical writers refer to the same people. Doubtless they appear in the annals of Assyria as enemies of that country under the names Tabali and Mushki-the latter the descendants of Meshech and the former those of Tubal to whom the term "Tibareni" may refer in the clause above. This juxtaposition of names is in harmony with practically every appearance of the word in Scripture. It is seldom named without some one of the others-Tubal, Javan, Gog and Magog. It is this which forms a good justification for making the suggested change in Isaiah 66:19, where Meshech would be in the usual company of Tubal and Javan. Ezekiel mentions them several times, first, as engaged in contributing to the trade of Tyre (Tiras of Genesis 10:2 ?), in "vessels of brass" and-very significantly-slaves; again there is the association of Javan and Tubal with them (Ezekiel 27:13); second, they are included in his weird picture of the under-world: "them that go down into the pit" (Ezekiel 32:18, 26). They are mentioned again with Gog and Magog twice as those against whom the prophet is to "set his face" (Ezekiel 38:2, 3; Ezekiel 39:1). MESECH me'-sek. Strong's Hebrew 4902. Meshek -- a son of Japheth, also his desc. and their land... Mesech, Meshech. The same in form as meshek, but probably of foreign derivation; Meshek, a son of Japheth, and the people descended from him -- Mesech, Meshech. ... /hebrew/4902.htm - 6k Library Dwelling in Mesech. Ps 120:5-7 The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing Olney Hymns On Patience Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Psalm 120 A Table to the First Book, According to the Order and Subject of ... On Temptation Moab is My Washpot A Believer's Privilege at Death Thesaurus Mesech (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MESHECH; MESECH. me ... Wallace. MESECH. me'-sek. See MESHECH. Multi-Version Concordance Mesech (1 Occurrence). ... /m/mesech.htm - 9k Japheth (12 Occurrences) Togarmah (4 Occurrences) Mesaloth Mesh (1 Occurrence) Meshech (11 Occurrences) Carchemish (3 Occurrences) Inhabited (64 Occurrences) Chedorlaomer (5 Occurrences) Sojourn (51 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Mesech (1 Occurrence)Psalms 120:5 Subtopics Related Terms Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) |
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