Bible Dictionaries
Medeba

Holman Bible Dictionary

(meh' deh buh) Place name meaning “water of quiet.” City in Transjordan on the main north-south road (the King's Highway) about 25 miles south of Amman. The strategic importance of Medeba is indicated by frequent references to its changing hands. Sihon King of the Amorites took Medeba from Moab only to have the area pass into Israel's control (Numbers 21:24 ,Numbers 21:24,21:26 ,Numbers 21:26,21:30 ). Medeba was included in Reuben's tribal allotment (Joshua 13:9 ,Joshua 13:9,13:16 ). According to the Moabite stone, Omri King of Israel (885-874 B.C.) recaptured Medeba. Mesha King of Moab retook the city during the reign of Omri's son. An alliance of Israel, Judah, and Edom recaptured the city but quickly withdrew (2Kings 3:25,2 Kings 3:27 ). Jeroboam II again secured control of the city of Israel (2 Kings 14:25 ). Isaiah 15:2 reflects the city's return to Moab. The site of Medeba is that of the modern city of Madeba.