### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mazzâlâh**, represented by `{{H4208}}`, refers to a **planet**, constellation, or Zodiacal sign. It appears only **1 time** in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its specific context highly significant. The term is rooted in the idea of celestial bodies, possibly those believed to affect the weather.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4208}}` is in [[2 Kings 23:5]], which details King Josiah's sweeping religious reforms in Judah `{{H3063}}`. In this verse, Josiah is described as putting down `{{H7673}}` the idolatrous priests `{{H3649}}` who had been ordained by previous kings `{{H4428}}` to burn incense in forbidden high places `{{H1116}}`. The text lists the objects of this false worship: Baal `{{H1168}}`, the sun `{{H8121}}`, the moon `{{H3394}}`, the **planets** `{{H4208}}`, and all the host `{{H6635}}` of heaven `{{H8064}}`. This firmly places the term within a strong condemnation of idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate the prohibited practices associated with `{{H4208}}`:
* `{{H3649}}` **kâmâr** (idolatrous priests): These are the specific priests Josiah put down for burning incense to the planets and other false gods. They are identified as central figures in the institutionalized idolatry within Judah [[2 Kings 23:5]].
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): This word represents the chief idol mentioned alongside the planets in the list of forbidden worship. The burning of incense `{{H6999}}` to Baal was a persistent form of idolatry condemned by prophets [[Jeremiah 7:9]].
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (high place): These elevations were the designated locations for the idolatrous rites, including the burning of incense to the planets. Scripture records that even righteous kings like Solomon wrongly used these high places for sacrifice [[1 Kings 3:3]], showing how entrenched this practice was.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4208}}` is centered on the biblical prohibition of idolatry, particularly the worship of celestial bodies.
* **Condemnation of Astral Worship:** The word's only context is a list of items and entities worshipped in defiance of God. Its inclusion in [[2 Kings 23:5]] serves as a direct rejection of astrology and the deification of planets or constellations.
* **Creation, Not the Creator:** The verse contrasts the created objects—sun `{{H8121}}`, moon `{{H3394}}`, and planets `{{H4208}}`—with the unseen God who made them. While other passages acknowledge God as the creator of the heavens `{{H8064}}` [[Genesis 1:1]], this passage condemns the act of directing worship to the creation itself.
* **The Exclusivity of Worship:** Josiah's reform, which included removing the priests `{{H3649}}` who worshipped the planets, underscores the principle that worship is due to the LORD alone. The purging of these practices from Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` and Judah `{{H3063}}` was a necessary step to restore the covenant relationship with God.
### Summary
In summary, though **mazzâlâh** `{{H4208}}` is an exceptionally rare word, its single use is impactful. It is defined entirely by its appearance in [[2 Kings 23:5]] as an object of forbidden astral worship. Mentioned alongside Baal and other celestial bodies, the term **planets** represents a form of idolatry that the righteous King Josiah actively worked to eliminate from the land. This usage serves as a clear scriptural warning against worshipping the creation over the Creator.
TRV