Who was Maakah?
Maakah (also spelled Maacah) is a name associated with multiple individuals and a region in the Old Testament. The Hebrew name Maʿaḵāh (מַעֲכָה) likely means “oppression,” “crushing,” or “to press.” In some contexts, the name refers to women of noble lineage; in others, it denotes a region or nation. The mention of Maakah in Genesis 22:24 refers specifically to a female family member in Abraham‘s extended household:
“Nahor’s concubine, whose name was Reumah, also had sons: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash and Maakah.” — Genesis 22:24 (NIV)
Here, Maakah is identified as one of the children of Reumah, the concubine of Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Genesis 22:20-24 — Lists the descendants of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, which includes Maakah.
- 2 Samuel 3:3 — Another Maakah is the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and mother of Absalom by David.
- 1 Kings 15:2, 10 — Maakah, mother of Asa, is referred to as the daughter (or more accurately, granddaughter) of Abishalom (Absalom).
- Deuteronomy 3:14 and Joshua 13:13 — The land of Maacah or the Maachathites is referenced as a small Aramean kingdom near Bashan.
Explanation of Genesis 22:24
In the context of Genesis 22, the genealogy provided includes Maakah among the offspring of Reumah, a concubine of Nahor. This brief record serves to complete the family background of Abraham’s relatives. Though little is said of this Maakah’s personal life, her presence in Scripture is noteworthy because it connects to a broader ancestral lineage that forms part of the ethnic landscape surrounding Israel.
The descendants of Nahor, including those by his concubine, represent clans and peoples who would dwell in regions around the Promised Land. In biblical history, these names are not mere genealogical entries—they often grow into tribal identities that interact with, oppose, or influence Israel.
Historical and Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, concubinage was a common practice, especially among patriarchal families. Children of concubines often held lesser status than those of wives but still formed legitimate branches of family trees. In this case, Maakah, though born to a concubine, was recorded alongside her brothers, which reflects her significance in lineage.
This record also has an ethnic and geopolitical implication. The Maachathites (descendants of Maakah or a similarly named ancestor) are later mentioned as inhabiting land not conquered by Israel. This reflects the continuity of lineage and the establishment of small nations from these early family lines.
Theological Implications
While Maakah in Genesis 22:24 is not central to any major narrative, her inclusion in the genealogy underscores several biblical truths:
- God is Sovereign Over Lineage: The genealogies show God’s control over history, working through families to fulfill His covenant promises. The family of Nahor becomes significant in the development of the nations surrounding Israel.
- God Values Every Life: Even those not prominent in the narrative—such as Maakah—are remembered in God’s Word. This reflects God’s attention to the details of every life and generation.
- Foreshadowing of Nations and Conflict: Many people listed in Genesis 22 become founders of tribes or nations. This sets the stage for future interactions—both conflicts and covenants—with Israel.
Literary Analysis
The placement of this genealogy at the end of Genesis 22 serves as a narrative bridge. After the dramatic event of Abraham’s testing and God’s reaffirmation of His promise (Genesis 22:1-19), this genealogy reconnects Abraham to his extended family. This literary device prepares readers for the introduction of Rebekah (Genesis 24), who will become Isaac’s wife. She is from this same family line—specifically the household of Nahor.
This structure reinforces the ongoing thread of divine providence through chosen lineage and marital connections that preserve God’s redemptive plan.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
Though Maakah herself is not in the direct messianic line, her mention contributes to the biblical tapestry that leads to Jesus. The detailed genealogies, including even minor figures, show God’s precision in preparing a people and a Savior through human history.
God’s covenant with Abraham included the promise that “all nations on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 22:18). Even those like Maakah—on the fringes of the covenant family—are part of the surrounding nations blessed through the seed of Abraham, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:8,16).
Jesus came not only to redeem Israel but to call people from every nation, tribe, and family, even those originating from obscure or distant relatives of the patriarchs.
Broader Biblical Themes
- Genealogy and Identity: Names and lineages in the Bible serve not only historical purposes but theological ones, reminding us of God’s providential guidance through generations.
- God’s Sovereignty in History: Even the lesser-known individuals fit into God’s sovereign design for the unfolding of redemptive history.
- Nations and the Gospel: The appearance of names like Maakah hints at the later development of people groups that will intersect with God’s plan of salvation, often serving as a contrast or foil to Israel’s spiritual journey.
Reflection Questions
- Why does the Bible include names like Maakah that seem minor at first glance?
- How does God use even obscure people and places to fulfill His larger purposes?
- What does the recording of such genealogies tell us about God’s attention to detail and faithfulness?
- How does knowing the backgrounds of surrounding nations help us better understand Israel’s history and God’s judgment and grace?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill the promise that all nations—those near and far to Abraham’s family—will be blessed?
This study reminds us that even the lesser-known names in Scripture are part of God‘s overarching story of redemption. Maakah’s brief mention in Genesis 22 reflects a thread in the divine tapestry, pointing ultimately to Christ, in whom all the scattered families of earth are offered salvation.