The Hebrew word Magbîysh, represented by H4019, is defined as stiffening and refers to either an Israelite or a place in Palestine. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular usage places it within a specific historical record of the Israelite people.
The sole appearance of H4019 is in a census recorded in the book of Ezra. The verse lists "The children of Magbish" as a group returning from exile, numbering one hundred fifty and six individuals Ezra 2:30. This context establishes Magbish as the name of a progenitor or a location from which a specific family group is identified during a pivotal moment of national restoration.
The single verse featuring Magbish connects it to several key words, primarily numbers that quantify the returning group:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to establishing lineage and identity. It is used to describe the line of covenantal teaching from one generation to the next, as fathers are commanded to teach God's law to their sons, and their sons' sons Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H3967 mêʼâh (a hundred): A numeral often used for counting people and blessings. It appears in the administrative structuring of Israel under rulers of hundreds Exodus 18:21 and in the description of Isaac receiving an hundredfold blessing from the LORD Genesis 26:12.
- H2572 chămishshîym (fifty): This number is used for organizing people into military or civil units, such as appointing rulers of fifties Exodus 18:21, and it marks the fiftieth year as a holy year of jubile Leviticus 25:10.
- H8337 shêsh (six): A foundational number often associated with the period of creation and work, as God made the heavens and earth in six days Exodus 20:11. It is also used in enumerating restored blessings, such as Job's six thousand camels Job 42:12.
The theological significance of H4019 is derived entirely from its context as part of a divine census.
- Covenantal Preservation: The specific mention of "the children of Magbish" demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving family lines through the hardship of exile. This aligns with God's promise to not forsake the sons of Jacob Malachi 3:6.
- Divine Accounting: The precise count of one hundred fifty-six people Ezra 2:30 reflects a divine accounting and intimate knowledge of His people. God's order is also seen in the structuring of Israel with rulers over thousands, hundreds, and fifties Exodus 18:21.
- Promise of Restoration: The return from exile is a direct fulfillment of God's promises. The numbers associated with the group, such as hundred H3967, are elsewhere tied to themes of immense blessing and multiplication, as when Isaac sowed and received an hundredfold return Genesis 26:12.
In summary, H4019 Magbîysh is a name that appears once in Scripture, identifying a family group returning from exile. While the name itself is obscure, its context within a detailed census in Ezra gives it significance. It stands as a marker of God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations and restoring them according to His promise, with the associated numbers underscoring the themes of divine order and blessing.
TRV