Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Metheg-ammah is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's military conquests. The name appears in 2 Samuel 8:1, where it is mentioned as part of David's victories over the Philistines. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines."Historical and Geographical Context Metheg-ammah is often understood to refer to a significant location or stronghold within Philistine territory. The term itself is somewhat enigmatic, as it is not a place name found elsewhere in the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that "Metheg-ammah" could be a metaphorical expression or a title rather than a specific geographic location. The phrase is sometimes translated as "the bridle of the mother city," implying control over a central or capital city of the Philistines, possibly Gath, which was one of their principal cities. The Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, and their territory was located along the coastal plain of what is now modern-day Israel and the Gaza Strip. The capture of Metheg-ammah signifies a strategic victory for David, as it represents the subjugation of a key Philistine stronghold, thereby consolidating his power and expanding the borders of Israel. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, David's victory over the Philistines and the capture of Metheg-ammah is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines are depicted as persistent adversaries of the Israelites. David's success in subduing them is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's favor and the divine mandate for Israel to possess the land promised to their forefathers. David's military campaigns, including the capture of Metheg-ammah, are also viewed as part of the establishment of a united and powerful kingdom under his rule. This period of David's reign is marked by a series of victories that secure Israel's borders and bring peace and stability to the nation. These conquests are seen as laying the groundwork for the future prosperity and expansion of the kingdom under Solomon, David's son and successor. Linguistic Considerations The Hebrew term "Metheg-ammah" (מֶתֶג הָאַמָּה) is unique to this passage, and its exact meaning has been the subject of scholarly debate. The word "metheg" can mean "bridle" or "control," while "ammah" can mean "mother" or "chief." This has led to various interpretations, including the idea of controlling a central city or exerting dominance over a region. In the parallel account found in 1 Chronicles 18:1, the text states, "David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines." This has led some to equate Metheg-ammah with Gath, suggesting that the term may refer to the control or subjugation of this key Philistine city. Conclusion While the precise identification of Metheg-ammah remains uncertain, its mention in the biblical narrative underscores the significance of David's military achievements and the expansion of his kingdom. The capture of this location symbolizes the broader theme of divine assistance and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel through the leadership of David. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Metheg-AmmahATS Bible Dictionary Metheg-Ammah2 Samuel 8:1; 1 Chronicles 18:1. See GATH. Easton's Bible Dictionary Bridle of the mother, a figurative name for a chief city, as in 2 Samuel 8:1, "David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines" (R.V., "took the bridle of the mother-city"); i.e., subdued their capital or strongest city, viz., Gath (1 Chronicles 18:1). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia METHEG-AMMAHme-theg-am'-a, meth-eg-am'-a (mathegh ha-'ammah, "bridle of the metropolis"; Septuagint ten aphorismenen): It is probable that the place-name Metheg-Ammah in 2 Samuel 8:1 the King James Version should be rendered as in the Revised Version (British and American), "the bridle of the mother city," i.e. Gath, since we find in the parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 18:1 gath ubhenotheha, "Gath and her daughters," i.e. daughter towns. The Septuagint has an entirely different reading: "and David took the tribute out of the hand of the Philistines," showing that they had a different text from what we now have in the Hebrew. The text is evidently corrupt. If a place is intended its site is unknown, but it must have been in the Philistine plain and in the vicinity of Gath. Strong's Hebrew 4965. metheg haammah -- Metheg-ammah... metheg haammah. 4966 . Metheg-ammah. Transliteration: metheg haammah Phonetic Spelling: (meh'-theg haw-am-maw') Short Definition: Metheg-ammah. ... Metheg-ammah ... /hebrew/4965.htm - 6k Library The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Thesaurus Methegammah (1 Occurrence)... a (mathegh ha-'ammah, "bridle of the metropolis"; Septuagint ten aphorismenen): It is probable that the place-name Metheg-Ammah in 2 ...Methegammah (1 Occurrence). ... /m/methegammah.htm - 8k Metheg-ammah (1 Occurrence) Metheg (1 Occurrence) Meth'eg-am'mah (1 Occurrence) Ammah (2 Occurrences) Bit (46 Occurrences) Bridle (12 Occurrences) Gath (44 Occurrences) Resources How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Metheg-ammah (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 8:1 Subtopics Metheg-Ammah: A Place in Philistia Related Terms |
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