Original Word: מַעֲכָתִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Ma`akathiy
Pronunciation: mah-ak-HA-tee
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-ak-aw-thee')
KJV: Maachathite
NASB: Maacathite, Maacathites
Word Origin: [patrial from H4601 (מַעֲכָה מַעֲכָת - Maacah)]

1. a Maakathite, or inhabitant of Maakah

Maachathite

Patrial from Ma'akah; a Maakathite, or inhabitant of Maakah -- Maachathite.

see HEBREW Ma'akah

Word Origin
from Maakah
Definition
inhab. of Maacah
NASB Translation
Maacathite (4), Maacathites (4).

מַעֲכָתִי adjective, of a people ׳הַמּ 1 Chronicles 4:19; so הַמַּעֲכָתִי בֶּןֿ 2 Samuel 23:34 of one of David's heroes, We deletes בן; read probably ׳בֵּיח הַמּ Klo HPS; see also Dr; of associate of Ishmael the Judaean 2 Kings 25:23 = Jeremiah 40:8; collective = the Maachathites Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:11,13 (all + הַגְּשׁוּרִי; compare מַעֲכָה 3). — ᵐ5 Μαχ(ε)ι, Μαχατ(ε)ι, Μααχαθι, etc.

Overview

Maacathite designates a person native to, descended from, or otherwise connected with the small Aramean kingdom of Maacah in the northern Trans-Jordan. The term appears eight times in Scripture and describes both an ethnic group on Israel’s northeastern border and several individuals who bear that designation. Together the references trace a line of interaction that spans from the conquest era to the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, reminding readers of Israel’s continual encounters with surrounding peoples.

Geographical and Historical Background

Maacah lay east of the Sea of Galilee, adjoining Bashan and Gilead. It shared borders with the Geshurites and occupied territory at the foot of Mount Hermon. Though modest in size, the kingdom controlled strategic approaches to the upper Jordan Valley. The Maacathites possessed a distinct identity yet were frequently mentioned alongside the Geshurites, suggesting a close alliance or confederation of small Aramean states. Their land was not included in Israel’s hereditary allotments but came under temporary Israelite influence during periods of military expansion.

Biblical Occurrences and Context

• Deuteronomy 3:14 – Upon Israel’s victory over Og, “Jair son of Manasseh took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites”. The border marks the northern limit of territory incorporated into the half-tribe of Manasseh, indicating Maacah’s proximity yet political separation.

• Joshua 12:5; 13:11 – As Joshua catalogs defeated kings, Bashan’s reach is measured “as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites” (Joshua 12:5), and within the land distribution the same border reappears. Israel’s victories press against Maacah but never absorb it.

• Joshua 13:13 – “Yet the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites; so Geshur and Maacah live among the Israelites to this day”. The verse testifies to an incomplete conquest that left pockets of foreign influence inside Israel’s domain. This shortfall later carried moral and political consequences similar to those caused by other surviving peoples.

• 2 Samuel 23:34 – Listed among David’s mighty men is “Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite.” His inclusion shows that some Maacathites allied themselves with David and were fully integrated into Israel’s army, illustrating the kingdom’s centripetal pull on neighboring peoples while fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of blessing to the nations.

• 2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8 – After Jerusalem’s fall, “Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite” joins other commanders who rally to Gedaliah in Mizpah. Their presence under the Babylonian governorship underscores Maacathite involvement in Judah’s final struggles and the fluid loyalties of the era.

• 1 Chronicles 4:19 – The Chronicler mentions “Eshtemoa the Maacathite” in the genealogies of Judah. Genealogical absorption suggests long-term intermarriage and social blending between Judah and Maacah, despite earlier political distinctions.

Notable Individuals

1. Eliphelet (2 Samuel 23:34) – A distinguished warrior under David, emblematic of covenant faithfulness crossing ethnic lines.
2. Jaazaniah (2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8) – A military leader during the Babylonian occupation, reflecting the Maacathite capacity to influence Judah’s post-exilic future.
3. Eshtemoa (1 Chronicles 4:19) – A clan-head within Judah, reinforcing the integration of Maacathite bloodlines into Israel’s tribal structure.

Theological and Ministry Implications

Continuity of Divine Boundaries: Repeated border references affirm that the Lord precisely delineated Israel’s inheritance (Numbers 34:12-15) and that Israel’s responsibility was to honor His commands in settling the land. Maacah’s persistence highlights both God’s sovereignty over international boundaries and Israel’s obligation to obey fully.

Lessons on Incomplete Obedience: Joshua 13:13 illustrates the enduring impact of Israel’s failure to expel certain peoples. The survival of Maacathite enclaves paralleled the lingering Canaanite presence elsewhere, later contributing to idolatrous influence and political instability. Modern readers are cautioned against partial obedience that leaves spiritual footholds for compromise.

Covenantal Inclusion: Eliphelet’s service under David proves that ethnic origin never precluded participation in God’s redemptive plan. The Maacathite warrior’s valor prefigures the Gospel era in which Gentiles become “fellow heirs” (Ephesians 3:6). Ministry today likewise welcomes those once “outside the commonwealth” into full fellowship through faith.

God’s Purposes in Exile: Jaazaniah’s appearance in the Babylonian epoch demonstrates that divine purposes persist amid judgment. Even foreign-born officers played roles in preserving a remnant. Believers may take heart that God harnesses unexpected instruments—including those from historically marginal peoples—to advance His sovereign agenda.

Lessons for Today

1. Border faithfulness: Churches and families must respect the limits God sets for holiness, guarding against lingering influences that compromise worship.
2. Hospitality and integration: Like David’s acceptance of a Maacathite hero, congregations extend grace to those from every background who align with God’s King.
3. Hope in upheaval: The exile narratives featuring a Maacathite commander remind the faithful that divine oversight never ceases, even when political landscapes shift dramatically.

הַמַּ֣עֲכָתִ֔י הַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י הַמַּעֲכָתִ֑י הַמַּעֲכָתִֽי׃ המעכתי המעכתי׃ וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֑י וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֗י והמעכתי ham·ma·‘ă·ḵā·ṯî hamma‘ăḵāṯî hammaachaTi vehammaachaTi wə·ham·ma·‘ă·ḵā·ṯî wəhamma‘ăḵāṯîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts