Overview:
Maacah, also spelled Maachah, is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, referring to both individuals and a region. The name is of Hebrew origin, meaning "oppression" or "to press." It is associated with various figures and locations, each playing a distinct role in biblical narratives.

Individuals Named Maacah:

1. Maacah, the Wife of David:
Maacah was one of King David's wives and the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. She is the mother of Absalom and Tamar. Her marriage to David is mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3: "His second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third was Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur."

2. Maacah, the Mother of Absalom:
As the mother of Absalom, Maacah's influence is seen in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Her Geshurite heritage may have played a role in Absalom's refuge in Geshur after the murder of his half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:37).

3. Maacah, the Wife of Rehoboam:
Another Maacah is noted as the favorite wife of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. She was the daughter of Absalom, making her a granddaughter of the earlier Maacah. Her influence is seen in the idolatrous practices during Rehoboam's reign, as mentioned in 1 Kings 15:13: "He also removed Maacah his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cut down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley."

4. Maacah, the Father of Hanan:
In 1 Chronicles 11:43, Maacah is listed as the father of Hanan, one of David's mighty warriors: "Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite."

Region of Maacah:

1. Geographical Location:
Maacah is also the name of a small Aramean kingdom located near the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. It is often mentioned in conjunction with other neighboring territories such as Geshur and Aram.

2. Biblical References:
The region of Maacah is mentioned in the context of various military campaigns. In 1 Chronicles 19:6-7, the Ammonites hired chariots and horsemen from Maacah to fight against David: "When the Ammonites realized they had become a stench to David, they hired a thousand talents of silver to hire chariots and horsemen from Aram Naharaim, Aram Maacah, and Zobah."

3. Tribal Allotment:
The territory of Maacah was included in the land allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, as described in Joshua 13:11: "It also included Gilead, the territory of the people of Geshur and Maacah, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah."

Significance:
The various references to Maacah in the Bible highlight its significance both as a personal name and as a geographical location. The individuals named Maacah are often connected to pivotal events in Israel's history, particularly in the narratives of King David and his descendants. The region of Maacah, with its strategic location, played a role in the military and political dynamics of the ancient Near East.Maacah or Maachah

1. A city and region of Syria or Aram, 1 Chronicles 19:6; somewhere near the foot of mount Hermon, and Geshur. The portion of Manesseh beyond Jordan reached to this country, like that of Og king of Bashan, De 3:13,14; but it does not appear to have become subject to Israel, Joshua 12:4-6 13:13, except during the reign of David, Solomon, and Jeroboam II. The king of Maachah, with other Syrians, joined the Ammonites in a war with David, and were defeated and made tributary, 2 Samuel 10:6-8,19.

2. A wife of David, and the mother of Absalom. She was a daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur in Syria, 2 Samuel 3:3.

3. The wife of Rehoboam and mother of Abijah, kings of Judah. She is called the "daughter" of Abishalom or Absalom, 1 Kings 15:2 2 Chronicles 11:20-22. In 2 Chronicles 13:2, she is called Michaiah, and is said to be the daughter of Uriel. She appears to have exerted a great influence over the members of the royal family; but was degraded from her high position, by Asa her grandson, for promoting idolatry, 2 Chronicles 15:16.

Six others of the same name are mentioned, in Genesis 22:24 1 Kings 2:39 1 Chronicles 2:48 7:16 11:43 27:16.

62. Abel Beth-maakah -- a city in Northern Israel
... Word Origin from abel, bayith and Maakah Definition a city in N. Isr. NASB Word
Usage Abel (1), Abel-beth-maacah (2). Abel-beth-maachah, Abel of Beth-maachah,. ...
/hebrew/62.htm - 6k

4601. Maakah -- an Israelite name, also a non-Isr. name, also a ...
... name, also a non-Isr. name, also a region in Syria NASB Word Usage Aram-maacah*
(1), Maacah (21), Maacath (1). Maachah, Maachathites. Or Mamakath (Josh. ...
/hebrew/4601.htm - 6k

1038. Beth Maakah -- "house of Maakah," a place in Northern Israel
... NASB Word Usage Beth-maacah (2). Beth-maachah. From bayith and Ma'akah; house of
Maakah; Beth-Maakah, a place in Palestine -- Beth-maachah. see HEBREW bayith. ...
/hebrew/1038.htm - 6k

How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Tamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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