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Maccabee
Family of high priest Mattathias and his son Judah, who revolted
against oppressive Antiochus, king of Syria, a Selucid Greek;
Judah cleansed the Temple after defilement by the Syrians. The
Jews remained free, ruled by the Maccabees (family name:
Hasmonaean) until 63 BC. The Maccabee symbol of a palm branch
became a national symbol of freedom. Hanukkah (or the Feast of
Dedication) celebrated Judah Maccabee's cleansing of the Temple.
Macellum
Market where food is sold.
Maenad
From Greek "raving" or "frantic," refers to female followers of
Dionysus.
Maim chaim
Living water. Referring to water coming directly from God via
rain or stream, etc.
Manna
Means "What is it?" Manna was the name the Israelites gave the
special food God provided to them in the desert. It was a white,
bread-like, sweet-tasting food that would show up on the ground
in the morning (Ex. 16:14-36). Jesus says he is like manna. He
is the bread of life that can truly fulfill God's people.
Manual of Discipline
One of the writings of the Essenes found among the Dead Sea
Scrolls; it describes the rules of the community.
Marble
The great king Herod imported marble from Italy to build his
glorious city of Caesarea. Many of Herods cities and buildings
were covered with this stone. He built these magnificent
structures so people would remember him and honor him as a great
king. Herod lived for himself. Because he built only for
himself, nothing is left but ruins.
Marriage cup
During Biblical times, a young man who wanted to marry would
accompany his father to the chosen woman's house, where she and
her father would be present. They'd negotiate a steep "bride
price"the money or physical items that the woman's father would
ask for in exchange for giving up his valuable daughter. Then
the young man's father would hand his son a cup of wine. The
son, in turn, would offer it to the women and say, "This cup I
offer to you." In effect, he was saying, "I love you, and I
offer you my life. Will you marry me?" If she drank it (sealing
their engagement), she accepted his life and gave him hers. If
not, she simply declined.
Mars
Roman god of war. Son of Zeus and Hera.
Masada
A fortress expanded by Herod the Great to include a palace; on a
mountain plateau on the Dead Sea's shore near Idumaea. David
wrote, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress" (Ps. 18:2), a
possible reference to this flat mountain plateau. Along the
1,000- foot mountaintop, Herod built a wall with 37 towers to
defend against attackers and carved a three-level palace into
the mountain face. Fearing Mark Antony would give his kingdom to
Cleopatra of Egypt, Herod fortified Masada as an escape. Last
place held by rebels in the First Jewish Revolt; the committed
suicide rather than surrender. A symbol for the Jewish people,
of their determination to remain free.
Massebah
See Standing Stone.
Mediterranean Sea
Known in the Bible as the Great Sea, it formed the western
border of Israel. Since the Jews were not a seafaring people,
the Mediterranean was more of a boundary than an integral part
of their lives.
Megiddo
The most strategic city in Israel, it guarded a key mountain
pass of the international trade route Via Maris. It was one of
the cities that Herod fortified. According to Book of
Revelation, it represents Armageddon, the final battle between
God's people and the devil's followers. (See also Armageddon).
Menorah
Lampstand.
Mercury
Roman god of trade, messenger. Son of Zeus and Maia.
Mercy seat
See Atonment Seat.
Mesopotamia
Refers to the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, as
well as the surrounding area. The patriarchs came from here. The
empires of Assyria, Persia, and Babylon were here.
Messiah
A Hebrew word meaning "anointed" or "chosen one." The Greek word
used in the New Testament for "annointed" is Christ. In the Old
Testament, God promised to send a special person called the
Messiah. This new king would save God's people. The New
Testament shows us that Jesus is the Messiah. He is God's chosen
one to save his people.
Messianic banquet
One way to describe the great banquet (also called the wedding
feast of the lamb) that will occur when the Messiah comes.
Mezuzah
A small rectangular box containing scripture affixed to a
doorpost. Meant to remind observant Jews to obey the
commandments whether at home or along the road.
Micmash (or Michmash)
City north of Jerusalem that guarded one of the approaches from
the coastal plain.
Middle East
Modern term referring to the area of Israel and the countries
surrounding it.
Mikveh
A ritual bath containing living water. Observant Jews would wash
head, heart, hands, and feet as a symbol of purity before God.
Minerva
Roman goddess of wisdom and skill. Daughter of Zeus.
Moab Mountains
Mountain range east of the Dead Sea where the nation of Moab
lived.
Mount Arbel
Mountain ridge 1,000 feet above the Sea of Galilee. Site of a
brutal battle in 38 BC between Galilean Jews and Herod the Great
for control of Galilee.
Mount Carmel
Mountain ridge in Israel that divides the Valley of Jezreel from
the coastal plain. Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal here.
Mount Ebal
Mountain near the city of Shechem where an altar to God was
built. Joshua gave the curses of the covenant on this mountain
(the blessings of Mount Gerizim) when he renewed the covenant
after entering the Promised Land, as Moses had commanded him.
Mount Gerizim
Mountain near the city of Shechem where Joshua pronounced the
covenant blessings (the curses on Mount Ebal) when he renewed
the covenant after entering the Promised Land, as Moses had
commanded him.
Mount Gilboa
Mountain on the southern edge of the Valley of Jezreel. Saul and
Jonathan died here.
Mount Hermon
Mountain on the northern border of Israel. More than 9,000 feet
above sea level, it is often covered with snow. Water from this
mountain forms the Jordan River
Mount of Olives
This mountain, standing about 2,641 feet above sea level, stands
east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley. It is approximately
325 feet higher than the Temple area and the highest peak in the
area. Jesus entered Jerusalem, gave his final teaching, and
ascended to heaven from here. Some scholars believe this may be
the location for Jesus return.
Mount Sedom
This mountain ridge at the southern end of the Dead Sea is
composed of salt. It retains the name of the city of Sodom,
which was probably nearby.
Mount Sinai
Mountain where God met Moses to establish his covenant with the
Israelites. Here God gave the Ten Commandments and the
instructions for the building of the tabernacle. Many scholars
believe Sinai refers to Jebel Musa, a peak in the Sinai
Peninsula, the area between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
This peak is 7,500 feet high. Others put Mount Sinai further
north; still others in Arabia.
Mount Tabor
Mountain at the northeast edge of the Valley of Jezreel. Site of
the battle between Deborah and Barak and Jabin, king of Hazor.
Murex
Shellfish found along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea north
of Israel, where the Phoenicians lived. Purple dye was produced
from these shellfish.