The Hebrew word môwshâʻâh, represented by H4190, means deliverance or salvation. As a rare term, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its sole appearance highly significant. It is derived from the root יָשַׁע, which points to the act of saving or delivering.
The singular use of H4190 is found in Psalms 68:20, which declares, "He that is our God is the God of salvation." This verse establishes a core attribute of God H410, identifying Him as the very source of deliverance. The passage immediately connects this salvation to God's ultimate authority, stating that "unto GOD H3069 the Lord H136 belong the issues H8444 from death H4194." Thus, the word is presented in a context of God's supreme power over life and mortality.
The context of H4190 in its only verse links it to several key concepts:
- H410 ʼêl (God): This word for God emphasizes His might and strength. The verse uses it to declare that the mighty God is specifically the God of salvation Psalms 68:20. Its use elsewhere confirms God's unique power and nature Numbers 23:19.
- H4194 mâveth (death): This term is placed in direct relationship with salvation. God's role as the God of salvation is proven by His control over the "issues from death" Psalms 68:20. The power over death is a recurring theme associated with God's ultimate authority Isaiah 25:8.
- H8444 tôwtsâʼâh (issues, exit, source): This word, translated as "issues" or "outgoings," figuratively describes a deliverance or an escape route. In its context, it suggests that God provides the "exits" from death, which is the essence of the salvation He offers Psalms 68:20. The same word is used for the source of life that flows from the heart Proverbs 4:23.
The theological weight of H4190 is concentrated in its single appearance, which conveys profound truths about God's nature.
- God as the Author of Salvation: The primary declaration is that God is intrinsically "the God of salvation." Deliverance is not merely something He does, but part of who He is Psalms 68:20.
- Sovereignty over Death: The concept of salvation is immediately defined by its ultimate scope: power over death H4194. God's ability to save is shown to be absolute because He alone controls the "issues" or exits from mortality.
- Deliverance as an Escape: By using the word for "issues" or "exits" H8444, the text portrays salvation as a concrete escape provided by God. He is the source of the way out from the finality of death.
In summary, môwshâʻâh H4190, despite its rarity, provides a powerful and concise definition of divine deliverance. Its lone occurrence in scripture Psalms 68:20 frames salvation as a fundamental characteristic of God, demonstrated through His absolute authority over death H4194. This single word, in its specific context, encapsulates the idea that God is not only a savior but is the very source of escape from our greatest peril.
TRV