### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4190}}` (מוֹשָׁעָה, *môwshâʻâh*) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H3467}}` (יָשַׁע, *yāšaʻ*), which fundamentally means "to save, deliver, rescue." As a nominal form, môwshâʻâh denotes the act, state, or experience of "deliverance" or "salvation." While the root yāšaʻ is prolific in producing terms related to salvation (e.g., `{{H3444}}` *yeshaʻ*, `{{H3440}}` *yeshuʻah*, `{{H8668}}` *tĕshûʻâh*), môwshâʻâh is distinct in its rare usage, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible. Its semantic range, therefore, is tightly constrained by this singular occurrence, pointing specifically to a concrete act of rescue or preservation. It emphasizes the outcome of God's saving intervention, the actual state of being delivered from peril.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4190}}` occurs exclusively in [[Psalm 144:10]]:
"He who gives salvation (מוֹשָׁעָה) to kings; who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword."
In this verse, môwshâʻâh is presented as something that God *gives* (הַנּוֹתֵן, *hannōtēn*). The context is explicitly military or existential, referring to God's divine intervention on behalf of earthly rulers, particularly King David. The parallel clause, "who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword," clarifies the nature of this "salvation" as a physical, tangible rescue from mortal danger. The verb used for "delivers" in the parallel is `{{H5337}}` (נָצַל, *nāṣal*), which means "to snatch away, rescue, deliver." This parallelism strongly reinforces the meaning of môwshâʻâh as a concrete act of deliverance from a specific, life-threatening situation. The psalm, attributed to David, is a prayer for divine aid in battle and a song of praise for God's past deliverances, making the reference to "salvation to kings" particularly poignant for the speaker.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H4190}}` is inextricably linked to its verbal root `{{H3467}}` (יָשַׁע, *yāšaʻ*), "to save, deliver, help." This root is foundational to the biblical understanding of salvation and divine intervention. Other significant nouns derived from yāšaʻ include:
* `{{H3444}}` (יֶשַׁע, *yeshaʻ*): "salvation, deliverance, help." Often refers to God's saving acts.
* `{{H3440}}` (יְשׁוּעָה, *yeshuʻah*): "salvation, deliverance, victory." This is a very common term, frequently used to describe God's comprehensive acts of salvation, both physical and spiritual.
* `{{H8668}}` (תְּשׁוּעָה, *tĕshûʻâh*): "salvation, deliverance, help, victory." Also widely used, often in contexts of military victory or rescue.
While all these terms share the core semantic field of "salvation," môwshâʻah stands out due to its singular occurrence and specific application in [[Psalm 144:10]]. Unlike the broader yeshuʻah or tĕshûʻâh which can encompass various forms of salvation, môwshâʻâh in its unique context points to a very particular, often physical, deliverance provided by God to those in positions of leadership, especially from direct threats like the "deadly sword." It highlights God's active role as the ultimate source of preservation for His anointed.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H4190}}` in [[Psalm 144:10]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's sovereign power and active involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the protection and preservation of His chosen leaders.
1. **God as the Source of Deliverance:** The verse unequivocally attributes môwshâʻâh to God ("He who gives salvation to kings"). This reinforces the biblical truth that true deliverance, especially from overwhelming threats, originates solely from the divine. Earthly power, even that of kings, is ultimately dependent on God's provision.
2. **Divine Providence for Rulers:** The specific mention of "kings" demonstrates God's providential care for those in authority, particularly those who, like David, are in covenant relationship with Him. It suggests that God's hand is active in the rise and fall, and indeed the preservation, of nations and their leaders.
3. **Concrete and Physical Salvation:** Unlike some instances of "salvation" which can imply spiritual redemption, the context of [[Psalm 144:10]] emphasizes a tangible, physical rescue from immediate danger ("from the deadly sword"). This highlights God's concern for the physical well-being and preservation of His servants in the face of real-world threats.
4. **Covenant Faithfulness:** For David, this môwshâʻâh is a testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. God is not merely a distant deity but one who actively intervenes to protect His anointed, fulfilling His promises of preservation and victory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4190}}` (מוֹשָׁעָה, *môwshâʻâh*) signifies "deliverance" or "salvation," stemming from the root `{{H3467}}` (יָשַׁע) meaning "to save." Its unique occurrence in [[Psalm 144:10]] defines its specific semantic scope: God's active provision of physical deliverance to kings, exemplified by His rescue of David from the "deadly sword." This rare term, while related to broader concepts of salvation like `{{H3440}}` (*yeshuʻah*), emphasizes a concrete act of preservation from immediate peril. Theologically, môwshâʻâh powerfully affirms God's sovereign power as the ultimate source of salvation, His providential care for those in authority, and His faithful intervention in the lives of His chosen servants, ensuring their tangible protection in times of dire threat.
TRV