מַרְאֵשָׁה

Mareshah, the name of two Israelites and of a place in Palestine

Definition

Mareshah is a proper noun referring primarily to a significant city in the lowland (Shephelah) region of Judah, located southwest of Jerusalem. It is first mentioned as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:44). The name also refers to two individuals: a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:42) and a son of Laadah (1 Chronicles 4:21). The city's strategic importance is highlighted in several historical narratives, including its fortification by King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:8) and its role as the site of a major battle between King Asa of Judah and Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9-10).

Biblical Usage

The word is used eight times in the Old Testament, appearing in historical books (Joshua, 1 & 2 Chronicles) and the prophetic book of Micah. Its usage is consistently as a proper name for either a place or a person. As a place, it denotes a fortified city in Judah, often mentioned in military and administrative contexts (2 Chronicles 11:8, 14:9). The prophet Micah 1:15 uses it in a prophetic oracle, declaring judgment against the city. As a personal name, it appears only in genealogical lists (1 Chronicles 2:42, 4:21).

Etymology

The name מַרְאֵשָׁה (Marʼêshâh) is likely derived from the root רֹאשׁ (ro'sh), meaning 'head' or 'top,' suggesting a meaning like 'summit' or 'crest.' This is consistent with its alternate form מַרֵשָׁה (Mareshah) and its comparison to the similar word מַרְאָשָׁה (mar'ashah, H4761), meaning 'headplace' or 'pillow.' The etymology points to a geographical feature, likely indicating the city was situated on a hill or elevated position, common for fortified settlements in ancient Israel.

Semantic Range

Mareshah is theologically significant as a city within the Promised Land, representing God's fulfillment of territorial promises to Judah. Its mention in prophetic judgment (Micah 1:15) underscores the theme of divine justice against Judah's sin, linking the city's fate to the nation's covenant unfaithfulness. Its role in battles (2 Chronicles 14) highlights God's intervention in defending Judah when they relied on Him. Understanding Mareshah enriches reading by connecting geographical history with themes of inheritance, judgment, and divine deliverance.

As a major fortified city in the Shephelah, Mareshah was a crucial administrative and military center for the Kingdom of Judah, guarding approaches from the coastal plain. Archaeological excavations reveal it was a thriving, multi-cultural city during the Hellenistic period, though its biblical references predate this. Its 'summit' etymology reflects the common practice of building cities on tells (artificial mounds) for defense. For ancient readers, the name would have immediately conveyed its strategic, elevated importance, unlike a modern reader who might see it as just another place name.

None directly applicable as it is a proper name. For other significant Judahite cities, compare: לָכִישׁ (Lakish, H3923) — another key fortified city in the Shephelah. חֶבְרוֹן (Hebron, H2275) — a major city and burial site in the hill country of Judah.

Word Details

Scripture References