Original Word: מַשְׂרֵקָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Masreqah
Pronunciation: mas-ray-kaw'
Phonetic Spelling: (mas-ray-kaw')
KJV: Masrekah
NASB: Masrekah
Word Origin: [a form for H7796 (שׂוֹרֵק - Choice vine) used denominatively]

1. vineyard
2. Masrekah, a place in Idumaea

Masrekah

A form for Sowreq used denominatively; vineyard; Masrekah, a place in Idumaea -- Masrekah.

see HEBREW Sowreq

Word Origin
from the same as saroq
Definition
a place in Edom
NASB Translation
Masrekah (2).

מַשְׂרֵקָה proper name, of a location in Edom; — ׳מִמּ Genesis 36:36 = 1 Chronicles 1:47; ᵐ5 ἐκ Μασέκκας (ᵐ5^LChronicles ἐκ Μασερικα); Euseb^{Onom. ed. Lag. 277} Μασρηκα.

שׂרר (√ of following; meaning dubious; Dl^{Pr 92} compare Assyrian šarâru, rise in splendour (of sun, etc.), but dubious, compare Hal^{RÉJ xiv (1887), 150}).

Biblical References

Genesis 36:36: “When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.”

1 Chronicles 1:47: “When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.”

Historical Setting in Edom

Masreqah enters the biblical record during the list of the early kings of Edom—monarchs who ruled “before any king reigned over the Israelites” (Genesis 36:31). These rulers illustrate the political organization of Esau’s descendants in contrast to the tribal structure of Israel in the days of the patriarchs. Samlah, “from Masrekah,” follows Hadad in both genealogical summaries (Genesis 36; 1 Chronicles 1), signaling that Masreqah was a recognized center of authority in Edom. The mention of civic origin alongside royal succession implies an urban or regional hub of enough significance to identify a king.

Possible Geographical Location

Masreqah’s exact site remains uncertain. The context points to the territory south of the Dead Sea, traditionally associated with Edom and the later Nabatean domain. Proposals range from the northern Arabah to the highlands of modern-day southern Jordan. The root of the name hints at agriculture—possibly wine production—suggesting a settlement near fertile valleys or terraced hillsides where viticulture was feasible despite the arid climate. Although archaeological confirmation is pending, Masreqah plausibly lay on a trade route linking Edom’s copper-rich region with caravans moving toward the Gulf of Aqaba.

Theological Significance

1. God’s Sovereignty over Nations

The brief notice of Masreqah affirms divine oversight beyond Israel’s borders. Edom’s chronicle is preserved in Scripture to show that the Lord “rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). Even the succession of foreign kings is woven into the inspired narrative, demonstrating that history unfolds according to God’s larger redemptive plan.

2. Fulfillment of the Esau Prophecies

The thriving line of Edomite kings, each identified by hometowns such as Masreqah, fulfills Isaac’s word that Esau’s descendants would possess nationhood and live “away from the riches of the earth” (Genesis 27:39). Masreqah’s inclusion underscores the literal outworking of those patriarchal blessings and judgments.

3. Foreshadowing of Israel’s Monarchy

By recording an organized monarchy in Edom before Saul, the text anticipates Israel’s later demand for a king (1 Samuel 8). Masreqah therefore becomes a silent witness to Israel’s developing political aspirations and the ongoing contrast between human kingship and divine rule.

Ministry Applications

• Reliability of Scripture: The parallel accounts in Genesis and Chronicles, separated by centuries, coincide verbatim regarding Masreqah, reinforcing confidence in the historical precision of God’s Word.
• Value of “Minor” Details: Masreqah exemplifies how seemingly obscure names confirm broader biblical themes. Teachers can highlight God’s concern for every people and place, encouraging believers that their own lives, though small in the world’s eyes, are known to the Lord.
• Missional Perspective: Edom often opposed Israel, yet its cities and kings are carefully recorded. This balance of truth and grace models how to engage modern cultures—acknowledging differences while recognizing that every nation belongs in God’s salvation account (Revelation 5:9).

Related Old Testament Parallels

• Bozrah (Genesis 36:33) and Teman (Amos 1:12) – other Edomite centers that, like Masreqah, display Edom’s infrastructure.
• Sela (2 Kings 14:7) – another strategic Edomite site, showing the region’s fortified culture.
• Kedar and Dedan (Isaiah 21:13; Ezekiel 25:13) – neighboring tribes whose histories intertwine with Edom’s and illustrate God’s dealings with non-Israelite nations.

Summary

Masreqah, though appearing only twice, anchors Samlah’s reign in tangible space, witnesses to Edom’s early monarchy, and invites modern readers to trust the meticulous record of Scripture and to see God’s hand at work among all peoples.

מִמַּשְׂרֵקָֽה׃ ממשרקה׃ mim·maś·rê·qāh mimasreKah mimmaśrêqāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts