Who Was Mattan in the Bible?
A Man Living at the Time of the Divided Monarchy
Mattan is a figure mentioned in the Bible during the time of the Divided Monarchy. This period occurred after the reign of King Solomon, when the united kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Mattan’s brief mention in the Bible provides insight into the religious and political dynamics of this tumultuous era.
Biblical Context of Mattan
Biblical References
- 2 Kings 11:18: “All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.”
- 2 Chronicles 23:17: “All the people went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.”
In these passages, Mattan is identified as a priest of Baal during the reign of Queen Athaliah in Judah. Baal worship, which involved idolatry and practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh, had infiltrated Judah under the influence of Athaliah, who was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, both notorious for promoting Baal worship.
Mattan in Jeremiah 38:1
Mattan, mentioned in Jeremiah 38:1, is a figure living during the period of the Divided Monarchy in Israel. Although there is limited information about Mattan, his mention in the Bible provides a glimpse into the historical and spiritual climate of his time. Mattan is specifically noted as the father of Shephatiah.
Biblical Context of Mattan
Biblical Reference: Jeremiah 38:1
“Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehukal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people when he said…” (NIV)
In this passage, Mattan is mentioned as the father of Shephatiah, one of the officials who opposed the prophet Jeremiah. This context places Mattan and his family within the tumultuous period of the Divided Monarchy, characterized by political instability, idolatry, and frequent conflicts between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Divided Monarchy period began after the reign of King Solomon when the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division occurred due to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes against King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. The era was marked by a series of kings, many of whom led the people into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh.
The Downfall of Israel and Judah
Both kingdoms eventually fell due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BCE, and the southern kingdom of Judah was taken into captivity by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Divided Monarchy period was marked by political instability, religious apostasy, and frequent conflicts. Athaliah’s reign in Judah represents a time when the worship of Baal was aggressively promoted, leading to a significant departure from the worship of the true God of Israel. Mattan, as a priest of Baal, symbolizes the pervasive influence of idolatry during this era.
The Reign of Athaliah
Athaliah seized power in Judah after the death of her son, King Ahaziah. She attempted to eradicate the Davidic line by killing all potential heirs, but Joash, a young descendant of David, was hidden and later crowned king through the efforts of the high priest Jehoiada.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Dangers of Idolatry
Mattan’s role as a priest of Baal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry. For modern Christians, this highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the influences that lead away from true worship. Idolatry today may not involve physical idols, but anything that takes priority over God in our lives can become an idol.
Biblical Reference: Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
The Importance of Righteous Leadership
The overthrow of Athaliah and the restoration of rightful worship through the leadership of Jehoiada underscores the need for godly leadership. Leaders who prioritize God’s commandments can guide people toward righteousness and away from idolatry and sin.
Biblical Reference: Proverbs 29:2
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
God’s Sovereignty and Ultimate Triumph
The destruction of Baal’s temple and the death of Mattan demonstrate God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His will over false worship and evil practices. This reassures believers that God is in control, even when evil seems prevalent, and that His righteousness will prevail.
Biblical Reference: Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Desire for Pure Worship
God’s command to destroy Baal’s temple and the idols reflects His desire for pure and undivided worship. This shows His love for His people and His commitment to guiding them toward what is best for their spiritual well-being.
Biblical Reference: John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
God’s Provision of Righteous Leaders
The role of Jehoiada in overthrowing Athaliah and restoring rightful worship illustrates God’s provision of righteous leaders to guide His people. This demonstrates God’s loving care in ensuring that His people are led in paths of righteousness.
Biblical Reference: Psalm 23:3
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Ultimate Priest and King
While Mattan was a priest of Baal, leading people away from God, Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest and King who leads people to the true worship of God. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the way for believers to enter into a genuine relationship with God.
Biblical Reference: Hebrews 4:14-16
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”
Triumph Over Idolatry and Sin
Jesus’ victory over sin and death parallels the destruction of Baal worship in Judah. Through Jesus, believers are set free from the bondage of sin and idolatry, and they are empowered to live lives dedicated to God.
Biblical Reference: Colossians 1:13-14
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Conclusion
Mattan, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, serves as a symbol of the idolatry and spiritual rebellion that plagued Judah during the Divided Monarchy. His role as a priest of Baal highlights the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to His commandments. The narrative of Athaliah’s overthrow and the restoration of rightful worship underscores God’s sovereignty and the need for righteous leadership. For modern Christians, Mattan’s story offers valuable lessons about the dangers of idolatry, the importance of godly leadership, and the assurance of God’s ultimate victory over evil. Reflecting on these themes deepens our understanding of God’s love, His provision, and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.