from יָעַד; an appointed place, i.e. asylum; appointed.
Transliteration:mûwʻâdâh
Pronunciation:moo-aw-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mûwʻâdâh (מוּעָדָה, `{{H4152}}`) is derived from the verbal root yāʻad (יָעַד, `{{H3259}}`), which fundamentally means "to appoint," "to fix," "to meet," or "to designate." As a feminine noun, mûwʻâdâh specifically denotes "an appointed place" or "an appointed time." The base definition also includes the nuance of "asylum," suggesting a designated place of refuge or safety. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both temporal and spatial appointments, emphasizing a pre-determined or set arrangement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mûwʻâdâh occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* **[[2 Samuel 20:5]]**: "So Amasa went to assemble Judah, but he tarried beyond the appointed time that he had appointed him." (וַיִּתְמָהְמַהּ אַמָשָׂא עַד־מוֹעֵד אֲשֶׁר יָעַד אֹתוֹ וְעַד־מוּעָדָה)
In this solitary instance, mûwʻâdâh appears in parallel construction with môʻēd (מוֹעֵד, `{{H4150}}`), another common derivative of the same root yāʻad, which also means "appointed time" or "appointed place." Here, both terms refer to the specific deadline given to Amasa by David (through Joab's instruction) to gather the men of Judah. Amasa's failure to meet this "appointed time" (or "deadline") is highlighted, leading to significant consequences in the narrative. While the base definition includes "asylum," the context of [[2 Samuel 20:5]] clearly points to a designated time rather than a physical place of refuge. This usage underscores the flexibility of the root in denoting fixed arrangements, whether temporal or spatial.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of mûwʻâdâh is rich due to its connection to the versatile root yāʻad (יָעַד, `{{H3259}}`).
* **yāʻad (יָעַד, `{{H3259}}`):** The verbal root itself, meaning "to appoint," "to summon," "to meet by appointment," or "to betroth." This root is foundational to understanding the concept of fixed arrangements.
* **môʻēd (מוֹעֵד, `{{H4150}}`):** This is perhaps the most prominent cognate, frequently translated as "appointed time," "appointed place," "assembly," or "festival." It is famously used for the "Tent of Meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, *’ōhel môʻēd*), where God met with Israel, and for the Lord's "appointed feasts" (מוֹעֲדֵי יְהוָה, *môʻădê YHWH*).
* **ʻēdāh (עֵדָה, `{{H5712}}`):** Another derivative, meaning "congregation" or "assembly," referring to a group of people who meet by appointment or agreement.
* **mîʻād (מִיעָד, `{{H4108}}`):** A rare noun also from yāʻad, meaning "appointed place."
These related terms collectively emphasize the biblical concept of divine or human designation, scheduling, and predetermination, particularly in the context of covenant, law, and worship.
### Theological Significance
Although mûwʻâdâh itself appears in a singular, seemingly secular context concerning a military deadline, its theological significance is primarily derived from its root yāʻad and its more frequently occurring cognate môʻēd.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** The concept of "appointment" inherent in yāʻad speaks profoundly to God's meticulous planning and sovereign control. God appoints times, places, and individuals for specific purposes within His redemptive plan (e.g., prophets, kings, priests, the timing of salvation history).
* **Covenant and Meeting with God:** The môʻēd (appointed times and places) are central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. The Tabernacle, as the "Tent of Meeting," was the designated place where God condescended to meet with His people. The annual festivals were divine appointments for communal worship and remembrance of God's mighty acts. These "appointed times" are not arbitrary but are integral to God's revealed will and calendar of redemption.
* **Fidelity to Divine Decrees:** Even in the secular context of [[2 Samuel 20:5]], the word mûwʻâdâh underscores the importance of adhering to established appointments and obligations. Amasa's failure to meet the mûwʻâdâh highlights the consequences of delay and disobedience, reflecting a broader biblical principle of faithfulness to commitments, whether human or divine. The potential meaning of "asylum" (though not used in scripture for mûwʻâdâh) resonates with the theological truth that God Himself is the ultimate "appointed place" of refuge and safety for His people.
### Summary
mûwʻâdâh (מוּעָדָה, `{{H4152}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from the root yāʻad (יָעַד, `{{H3259}}`), meaning "to appoint" or "to meet." Its core meaning is "an appointed place" or "an appointed time," with a potential, though unused in scripture, semantic range including "asylum." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 20:5]], where it refers to the "appointed time" or "deadline" given to Amasa. While its direct biblical usage is limited to a secular context, its strong connection to môʻēd (מוֹעֵד, `{{H4150}}`) and the root yāʻad imbues it with significant theological weight. It implicitly points to God's sovereign appointment of times, places, and purposes, and the divine faithfulness in meeting with His people, reinforcing the biblical emphasis on divine order and human obedience to established decrees.
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