Lexical Summary Maats: Oppression, pressure Original Word: מַעַץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Maaz From atsah; closure; Maats, an Israelite -- Maaz. see HEBREW atsah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a man of Judah NASB Translation Maaz (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַ֫עַץ proper name, masculine in Judah 1 Chronicles 2:27; ᵐ5 Μαας. מַעֲצֵבָה see עצב. מַעֲצָד see עצד. [מֹעֵצָה] see [ מוֺעֵצָה] below יעץ. מַעְצוֺר, מַעְצָר see עצר. מַעֲקֶה see עקה. מַעֲקַשִּׁים see עקשׁ. מַ֫עַר, מַעֲרֶה see ערה. I. מַעֲרָב see I. ערב. II. מַעֲרָב, מַעֲרָבָה see III. ערב. מְעָרָה see I. ערר. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Meaning in Biblical Thought The Hebrew name מַעַץ carries the idea of “refuge” or “stronghold.” In the world of ancient Israel, names were confessions of faith: parents bestowed a name that expressed trust in the character of God, or a prayer for what God would be to the child. A name implying “refuge” points to the conviction that safety is found in the Lord alone (Psalm 46:1; Psalm 91:2). Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Setting Maaz appears once, inside a genealogy of the tribe of Judah. “The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker” (1 Chronicles 2:27). Chronicles opens with nine chapters of family records that stretch from Adam to the post-exilic community. These lists establish continuity between God’s covenant promises and the restored nation. By naming Maaz, Scripture certifies that even the lesser-known branches of Judah have a secure place in God’s redemptive story. Genealogical Significance 1. Tribal line: Judah The Chronicler assembles this line for at least three reasons. Historical and Cultural Context Chronicles was compiled after the Babylonian exile, when Israel’s identity was fragile. A name like Maaz (“refuge”) spoken among returnees would resonate with fresh meaning: the Lord had proved Himself a sanctuary during judgment and dispersion (Isaiah 8:14; Jeremiah 16:19). Recording Maaz therefore becomes both a historical note and a theological declaration of divine protection. Theological Themes Refuge in God The concept embedded in the name connects Maaz to a rich biblical motif. Moses sings, “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). David prays, “You are my refuge and my fortress” (Psalm 91:2). The Chronicler silently invites readers to see every bearer of that name as a living reminder of the Lord’s protective grace. Value of the Individual Though Maaz never re-appears in recorded narrative, his inclusion illustrates how Scripture esteems each member of the covenant community. In God’s economy no believer is an inconsequential footnote (Luke 12:7; 2 Timothy 2:19). Continuity of the Covenant These post-exilic genealogies assure Israel that the Abrahamic and Davídic covenants stand unbroken. By linking the early sons of Judah (such as Maaz) to the restored remnant, the Chronicler affirms the unbroken line of God’s redemptive dealings. Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Care Believers bearing hidden or overlooked ministries can draw comfort: if Maaz’s solitary mention is preserved for eternity, so are their labors (1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 6:10). 2. Teaching on Refuge Preachers may leverage the name to illustrate the believer’s security in Christ, the ultimate refuge. As Hebrews 6:18 declares, “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” 3. Genealogies in Discipleship Rather than skipping over lists, Bible teachers can show how they anchor doctrine in history, reinforce the reliability of Scripture, and demonstrate God’s faithfulness to generations. Intertextual Echoes of Refuge • Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” These passages mirror the message encapsulated in Maaz’s name and deepen its resonance for readers. Christological Fulfillment Jesus embodies the ultimate refuge promised throughout Scripture. He invites, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The genealogical precision of Chronicles eventually funnels into the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, where every ancestor—prominent or obscure—converges in the Messiah. Thus the solitary appearance of Maaz uplifts the larger narrative arc that culminates in the refuge found in Christ alone. Conclusion of Significance Though mentioned only once, Maaz stands as a witness to several enduring truths: God protects His people; He remembers every name; and He weaves each life into the tapestry of redemption. Those ministering today can point to Maaz to affirm that in Christ, the believer’s account is recorded, valued, and secured forever. Forms and Transliterations מַ֥עַץ מעץ ma‘aṣ ma·‘aṣ MaatzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:27 HEB: בְּכ֣וֹר יְרַחְמְאֵ֑ל מַ֥עַץ וְיָמִ֖ין וָעֵֽקֶר׃ NAS: of Jerahmeel, were Maaz, Jamin KJV: of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin, INT: the firstborn of Jerahmeel were Maaz Jamin and Eker |
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