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H4280 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מַחֲרָאָה
machărā'āh
Noun, feminine
Latrine, Privy

Definition

Machărā'āh (מַחֲרָאָה) means latrine, privy, toilet. From a root meaning to dig or hollow out. Appears once in the Hebrew Bible in a vivid act of theological desecration.

Usage & Theological Significance

Second Kings 10:27: 'They demolished the sacred stone of Baal and tore down the temple of Baal, and people have used it as a latrine to this day.' Jehu's destruction of Baal worship reached its climax by converting the pagan temple into a public toilet — the ultimate expression of contempt. False worship deserves not just rejection but utter desecration. What the culture honored, God's people made common. This radical iconoclasm reminds us that idols — ancient or modern — deserve no reverence. When we identify the Baals of our age, the response should be thorough destruction, not respectful coexistence.

Key Bible Verses

2 Kings 10:27 They demolished the temple of Baal, and people have used it as a latrine to this day.
2 Kings 10:28 So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel.
Deuteronomy 12:3 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles.

Related Words

External Resources

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