Interesting Facts

• Madai is identified as one of the seven sons of Japheth.
• The children of Madai are listed as Achon, Zeelo, Chazoni, and Lot.
• The descendants of Madai are associated with the Orelum who dwell in the land of Curson.
• Madai saw the land of the sea and it did not please him.
• Madai begged a portion from Ham and Asshur and Arpachshad, his wife’s brother, and he dwelt in the land of Media, near to his wife’s brother until this day.
• Madai called his dwelling-place, and the dwelling-place of his sons, Media, after the name of their father Madai.

Genealogy

• Madai was a son of Japheth, who was one of the three sons of Noah that survived the flood.
• His brothers were Gomer, Magog, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
• The sons of Madai were Achon, Zeelo, Chazoni and Lot.
• Madai had a wife whose brother was Arpachshad.

Historical Context

Madai’s existence is situated in the antediluvian world following the great flood and the subsequent dispersal of humankind after the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. This era was characterized by the division of the earth among the sons of Noah, with Japheth and his descendants, including Madai, being allocated the northern regions. The sources reveal a subsequent division of these territories among Japheth’s sons. A significant cultural dynamic of this period was the establishment of distinct familial and linguistic groups, each migrating to their allotted lands and founding settlements, often named after their ancestors. The narrative indicates that after the initial allotment of land to Japheth that extended northerly to the sea of Ma’uk, a further division occurred amongst his sons. Madai, in particular, is noted for his reaction to the initial land allocation.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Madai highlights his role as one of the sons of Japheth, thus placing him within the lineage that repopulated the northern parts of the earth after the flood. Unlike some of his brothers who settled directly in their initially allotted portions, Madai exhibited a degree of dissatisfaction with the land of the sea that fell to his lot. Consequently, he sought and obtained a portion of land through the favor of Ham, Asshur, and his wife’s brother, Arpachshad. This new dwelling place was in the land of Media, situated near his wife’s brother. The narrative emphasizes Madai’s agency in choosing his settlement, as he actively sought a different territory rather than remaining in his initial inheritance. Furthermore, the text states that Madai named his dwelling place and that of his sons Media, after his own name, signifying the establishment of a distinct identity and territory for his lineage. His descendants are later associated with the Orelum dwelling in the land of Curson. Thus, Madai’s narrative is one of migration influenced by personal preference and familial connections, leading to the establishment of the Median people in a specific geographical location.