from יָעַד; (as in מוֹעֵד); properly, an assembly figuratively, a troop; appointed time.
Transliteration:môwʻâd
Pronunciation:mo-awd'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4151 (מוֹעָד, *môwʻâd*) is rooted in the verb `{{H3259}}` (יָעַד, *yaʻad*), which signifies "to appoint, fix, meet, or summon." As indicated in its base definition, H4151 shares a profound semantic connection with, and is often considered a variant form of, `{{H4150}}` (מוֹעֵד, *môwʻēd*). Its primary semantic range encompasses two fundamental concepts:
1. **Appointed Place/House:** This refers to a designated location or dwelling, often pre-determined for a specific purpose or as a site for a fixed gathering. The emphasis is on a divinely or authoritatively set destination.
2. **Assembly/Gathering:** This denotes a congregation or collection of individuals, implying a pre-arranged meeting or a collective body brought together for a specific reason. While the definition includes a figurative sense of "troop," this nuance is less prominent in the actual biblical occurrences of H4151, which more directly convey "appointed place" or "assembly."
The overarching theme embedded within H4151 is that of *appointment* or *designation*, underscoring a fixed arrangement established by a higher authority, whether pertaining to a specific time, place, or gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H4151 in the Hebrew Bible are limited, yet each instance carries significant theological weight within its specific context:
* **[[Job 30:23]]**: "For I know that you will bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living."
Here, H4151 (מוֹעָד) is rendered "appointed" within the phrase "house appointed" (בֵּית מוֹעָד). This phrase functions as a profound euphemism for the grave or Sheol, representing the universal and inescapable destination for all humanity. Job's utterance reflects a deep, albeit sorrowful, recognition of a divinely established, immutable appointment for every individual – the certainty of death. This usage powerfully highlights God's sovereign decree over the lifespan and ultimate fate of all people, a truth acknowledged even amidst Job's intense suffering and existential questioning.
* **[[Isaiah 14:13]]**: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north.'"
In this potent prophetic oracle, often interpreted as a depiction of the pride and fall of Lucifer (or the king of Babylon as a type), H4151 appears as "mount of assembly" (הַר מוֹעָד). This signifies a sacred, elevated location associated with divine authority and the heavenly council. The "mount of assembly" is understood as God's celestial dwelling, the place where the divine council convenes, or the very seat of supreme divine power. The boast of the king/Lucifer to ascend to this mount represents an audacious attempt to usurp divine sovereignty and authority, demonstrating ultimate hubris against the Most High. This context underscores the exclusivity, holiness, and unassailable nature of God's own appointed "assembly place."
Both occurrences, despite their differing immediate subjects, consistently point to a divinely "appointed" or "designated" reality, whether it be the universal human destiny or the sacred domain of God's rule.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most crucial related word to H4151 is `{{H4150}}` (מוֹעֵד, *môwʻēd*), which is far more prevalent in the Hebrew Bible. `{{H4150}}` encompasses a broader semantic range, including "appointed time, appointed place, appointed meeting, or sacred festival." Indeed, the "feasts of the Lord" (מוֹעֲדֵי יְהוָה) are consistently designated by this term, signifying divinely ordained times for worship, remembrance, and covenant renewal. The close relationship between H4151 and `{{H4150}}` underscores the overarching biblical theme of divine ordering and appointment.
Other significant related concepts include:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Predetermination**: The verbal root `{{H3259}}` (יָעַד) itself speaks to God's initiative in setting times, places, and purposes. This highlights His absolute control and predetermined plan for creation and humanity.
* **Sacred Space and Divine Presence**: The "mount of assembly" in Isaiah points to a concept of a holy, set-apart place where God's presence and authority reside. Similarly, the "house appointed" for all living, while referring to death, signifies a universal, divinely ordained destination that is part of God's ultimate design.
* **Covenant and Congregation**: While not directly used for the covenant itself, the idea of an "assembly" (מוֹעָד) resonates with the concept of God gathering His people, often at appointed times and places, to receive instruction, renew covenant, and worship. This is particularly strong in connection with `{{H4150}}` and the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting).
* **Eschatology**: The "house appointed for all living" in Job carries an eschatological weight, pointing to the ultimate, universal end of earthly life and the finality of God's decree concerning human mortality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4151 (מוֹעָד) is profound, serving as a powerful descriptor of God's ordered universe and His sovereign will.
Firstly, it unequivocally affirms God's **absolute sovereignty over life and death**. The "house appointed for all living" in [[Job 30:23]] serves as a stark reminder of humanity's finite nature and the inescapable reality of death. This is not a chaotic or arbitrary end, but rather a divinely fixed "appointment" within God's purposeful design. This perspective offers both solemnity in acknowledging human mortality and a measure of comfort in recognizing that even death is part of God's overarching, ordered plan.
Secondly, the "mount of assembly" in [[Isaiah 14:13]] powerfully highlights the **exclusivity and sacredness of God's divine domain and authority**. It underscores that God alone occupies the place of ultimate power and counsel in the cosmos. Any attempt to usurp this "appointed place" is depicted as an act of profound rebellion and hubris, destined for utter failure. This reinforces the unique majesty, unchallengeable position, and inherent holiness of the Almighty. It speaks to the ordered structure of the cosmos, where God’s heavenly court is a specific, appointed place of governance and glory.
Collectively, these usages of H4151 reveal a God who is not only transcendent but also intimately involved in the meticulous ordering of creation and the ultimate destiny of His creatures. He establishes the "appointed times" and "appointed places," whether for the end of human life or for the exercise of His divine authority. The word thus serves as a subtle yet potent reminder of divine order, human limitation, and the inherent sacredness in all of God's appointments.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4151 (מוֹעָד, *môwʻâd*), closely related to `{{H4150}}` (מוֹעֵד), fundamentally signifies an "appointed place" or "assembly." Despite its limited occurrences in the biblical text, its usage is deeply insightful and theologically rich. In [[Job 30:23]], it refers to the "house appointed for all living," a poignant euphemism for the grave, underscoring God's sovereign decree over human mortality. In [[Isaiah 14:13]], it denotes the "mount of assembly," a sacred place of divine authority that Lucifer presumptuously sought to usurp, thereby highlighting the exclusivity and majesty of God's heavenly domain. H4151 thus powerfully conveys the theological concepts of divine sovereignty over time and space, the fixed and immutable nature of God's appointments, and the sacredness inherent in His presence and authority. It serves as a profound reminder of God's established order in both the human experience and the cosmic realm.
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