מָרֵשָׁה (mar.e.shah)
mar.e.shah
Mareshah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun mar’esha refers to a specific place name, identified as the city of Mareshah in the lowlands of Judah. Its etymology is uncertain, though some sources suggest it may mean "crest of a hill," reflecting its geographical position within the Shephelah region.
Scripture mentions this location five times, primarily in historical and prophetic contexts. It appears as a fortified city in Joshua 15:44 and is noted for its significance during the reigns of Asa and Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 11:5-6 and 14:8. The prophet Micah also references it, describing its destruction in Micah 1:10-15 as part of the judgment on Judah’s cities.
Additionally, one individual named Mareshah is listed in 1 Chronicles 4:21 as a descendant of Judah, highlighting the name’s presence in both geographical and genealogical records. The city’s strategic location in the lowlands made it a focal point for military campaigns and prophetic warnings.
While its exact meaning remains debated, Mareshah stands as a tangible reminder of Judah’s history, caught between the promises of God and the consequences of disobedience. Its mentions underscore the importance of place names in biblical narratives, anchoring spiritual lessons in real-world settings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Mareshah appears in Scripture as a specific city in the lowlands of Judah, often mentioned alongside other fortified towns like Gath and Ziph. Its presence in historical records highlights how God’s people lived in real places with strategic importance. When Micah prophesied against Mareshah, he spoke of coming conquest, reminding readers that even established communities face consequences when they turn away from faithfulness.
This word anchors spiritual lessons in tangible history. It shows that geography matters to God; He knows the names of cities and their people. For believers today, it invites reflection on how our own 'places'—whether physical or metaphorical—are shaped by obedience or disobedience. The story of Mareshah is not just about ancient stones but about enduring truths regarding trust in God.
Ultimately, these references point to a broader narrative of judgment and hope. While cities fall, the promise of God remains steadfast. We can find comfort in knowing that our lives, like Mareshah’s history, are part of a larger divine story where faithfulness is rewarded and rebellion has costs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mareshah3×
- from/ Mareshah1×
- and/ Mareshah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָרֵשָׁ֖ה1×
- מָרֵשָׁ֑ה1×
- מָֽרֵשָׁ֑ה1×
- מִ/מָּ֣רֵשָׁ֔ה1×
- וּ/מָֽרֵאשָׁ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Micah 1:15
I will yet bring a conqueror to you, inhabitants of Mareshah. The glory of Israel will come to Adullam.
This verse uses Mareshah as a focal point for prophetic judgment, illustrating how specific locations were involved in God's warnings to Judah.
-
II Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works.” The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Here, an individual from Mareshah delivers a critical prophecy, showing the city’s role in political and spiritual events during Jehoshaphat’s reign.
-
Joshua 15:44
Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages.
This reference lists Mareshah among the inherited cities, grounding its identity in the distribution of land to the tribe of Judah.