Med'eba is an ancient city located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament and holds historical and geographical significance in biblical narratives. The city is situated on a plateau, approximately 20 miles south of Heshbon and 15 miles east of the Dead Sea. Med'eba's strategic location made it a site of frequent conflict and conquest throughout biblical history.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 21:30 · Med'eba is first mentioned in the context of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. The verse states, "But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon; we have demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Med'eba." This passage highlights the city's proximity to other significant locations and its inclusion in the territorial conquests of the Israelites.

2. Joshua 13:9, 16 · In the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, Med'eba is noted as part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Reuben. Joshua 13:9 describes the region as "from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, and from the city in the middle of the valley, and all the tableland of Med'eba as far as Dibon." This allocation underscores the city's importance within the tribal boundaries.

3. 1 Chronicles 19:7 · Med'eba is also mentioned in the context of a military alliance against King David. The verse records, "So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, along with the king of Maacah and his troops, who came and camped near Med'eba, while the Ammonites gathered from their cities and came for battle." This reference indicates Med'eba's role as a gathering point for military forces.

4. Isaiah 15:2 · The prophet Isaiah includes Med'eba in his oracle against Moab, lamenting the destruction that will come upon the city. "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Med'eba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." This prophecy reflects the city's vulnerability and the sorrow that would accompany its downfall.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

Med'eba is renowned for the Med'eba Map, a Byzantine-era mosaic map discovered in the 19th century. This map, located in the floor of a church in modern-day Madaba, Jordan, provides valuable insights into the geography of the biblical lands during the 6th century AD. It is one of the oldest cartographic depictions of the Holy Land and includes detailed representations of Jerusalem and other significant biblical sites.

Throughout its history, Med'eba was a contested city, changing hands between various powers, including the Moabites, Israelites, and later, the Nabateans and Romans. Its frequent mention in biblical texts underscores its importance as a cultural and military hub in the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

Med'eba's inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land. The city's repeated conquests and prophetic mentions illustrate the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations. The biblical accounts of Med'eba remind believers of the historical reality of the biblical events and the enduring truth of God's word.Med'eba (4 Occurrences)

Numbers 21:30
We have shot at them--Heshbon is perished--even unto Dibon, and we have laid waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.
(See RSV)

Joshua 13:9
from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land from Medeba unto Dibon;
(See RSV)

Joshua 13:16
And their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land by Medeba;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 19:7
So they hired them thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maacah and his people; who came and encamped before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.
(See RSV)

Med'eba (4 Occurrences)
Med'eba. Medeba, Med'eba. Medes . Multi-Version Concordance Med'eba
(4 Occurrences). Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them--Heshbon ...
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Medeba (5 Occurrences)

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Medes (15 Occurrences)

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