Madmen
Madmen is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Transjordan in modern-day Israel. Known today as Dimnah. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.
Biblical History
Madmen appears in Scripture solely in the oracle against Moab delivered by the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 48:2, the city is addressed directly in a pronouncement of doom: "You also, O Madmen, shall be silenced; the sword shall pursue you." The name itself carries an ironic wordplay in Hebrew, as it sounds similar to the verb meaning "to be silenced" or "to cease," which Jeremiah exploits for prophetic effect. The city was part of the broader Moabite territory east of the Dead Sea, a region that had long existed in tension with Israel. Moab's judgment, as detailed throughout Jeremiah 48, came as a consequence of the nation's pride and its hostility toward God's people. Madmen's inclusion in this oracle underscores that no corner of Moab would escape divine reckoning. The city's mention, though brief, contributes to the comprehensive portrait of judgment sweeping across Moabite civilization, reminding readers that God's sovereignty extends over all nations, not Israel alone.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
The identification of biblical Madmen remains debated among scholars. It has been tentatively associated with Khirbet Dimneh (modern Dimnah) in the Transjordanian highlands east of the Dead Sea, though this identification is not universally accepted. The site lies in the rolling plateau region of central Jordan, an area known for its fertile agricultural land in antiquity. No major archaeological excavations have been conducted specifically targeting this identification. The broader Moabite plateau has yielded significant finds, including the famous Mesha Stele, which illuminates Moabite culture and its conflicts with Israel. The region today consists largely of agricultural land and scattered ruins characteristic of the Jordanian highlands.
Verse Appearances (1)
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