apparently from נָזַל in the sense of raining; a constellation, i.e. Zodiacal sign (perhaps as affecting the weather); planet. Compare מַזָּרָה.
Transliteration:mazzâlâh
Pronunciation:maz-zaw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4208 (מַזָּלָה, *mazzâlâh*) carries the primary meaning of "constellation," "Zodiacal sign," or "planet." Its etymological root is often linked to נָזַל (nazal), meaning "to flow," "to trickle," or "to rain." This connection suggests an ancient understanding of celestial bodies as influencing earthly phenomena, particularly the weather, or perhaps as sources from which influences "flow" down. The word thus denotes specific celestial arrangements or individual luminaries perceived as having an impact on human affairs or the natural world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H4208 (מַזָּלָה) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 23:5]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding its connotation. The verse states: "And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets (מַזָּלָה), and to all the host of heaven."
In this context, *mazzâlâh* is listed alongside other objects of pagan worship—Baal, the sun, the moon, and "all the host of heaven." This passage describes King Josiah's radical religious reforms aimed at purging Judah of idolatry and restoring pure worship of YHWH. The inclusion of *mazzâlâh* here unequivocally identifies it as an object of forbidden worship, likely referring to specific constellations or planetary bodies that were revered or consulted for astrological purposes. Its placement within a list of condemned cultic practices underscores its association with astral idolatry, a direct affront to the exclusive worship of the one true God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Strong's definition for H4208 explicitly invites comparison with מַזָּרָה (mazzârâh) `{{H4216}}`. While both terms refer to celestial configurations, mazzârâh appears in [[Job 38:32]] in a context where God challenges Job regarding His sovereign control over the cosmos ("Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?"). This suggests mazzârâh refers to constellations in a neutral sense, as part of God's creation, whereas mazzâlâh carries the distinct negative connotation of being an object of worship or astrological divination.
Other related concepts include:
* **"Host of heaven" (צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם):** This phrase frequently appears in connection with idolatry, referring to the worship of celestial bodies (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[2 Kings 17:16]], [[Jeremiah 19:13]]). *Mazzâlâh* is a specific subset of this broader category.
* **Astrology and Divination:** The practice of seeking guidance or predicting the future through observing celestial bodies was strictly forbidden in Israel (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]], [[Isaiah 47:13-14]]). The worship of *mazzâlâh* falls squarely within these prohibited activities.
* **Baal Worship:** Often intertwined with astral worship, as Baal was sometimes associated with celestial phenomena or fertility cults that incorporated heavenly bodies.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence and contextual placement of H4208 (מַזָּלָה) carry profound theological significance.
1. **Condemnation of Idolatry:** The listing of *mazzâlâh* among objects of worship to be abolished highlights God's absolute prohibition of astral worship. This practice, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, directly challenged the monotheistic worship of YHWH.
2. **Sovereignty of YHWH:** The Bible consistently teaches that God alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Celestial bodies are His handiwork, not independent deities or sources of power. Their worship usurps God's unique authority and glory. By condemning the worship of *mazzâlâh*, the text affirms YHWH's exclusive sovereignty over all creation, including the heavens.
3. **Distinction Between Creator and Creation:** The theological framework of the Old Testament rigorously maintains the distinction between the Creator and His creation. To worship *mazzâlâh* is to blur this essential boundary, elevating created things to the status of the Divine. Josiah's reforms, targeting *mazzâlâh* and other idolatrous practices, reasserted the theological truth that only God is worthy of worship.
4. **Exclusivity of Covenant:** For Israel, worship of celestial bodies represented a violation of the covenant with YHWH, which demanded exclusive devotion. The purging of *mazzâlâh* worship was thus a re-affirmation of Israel's unique covenant relationship and call to holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4208 (מַזָּלָה, *mazzâlâh*) refers to constellations, Zodiacal signs, or planets, possibly understood as influencing weather or destiny. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 23:5]] is crucial, as it is listed among objects of pagan worship that King Josiah purged from Judah. This context unequivocally marks *mazzâlâh* as a form of astral idolatry, strictly forbidden by God. The theological significance of its condemnation underscores the exclusive sovereignty of YHWH as the sole Creator and worthy object of worship, reinforcing the fundamental biblical distinction between the Creator and His creation, and upholding the purity of Israel's covenant with God against the pervasive influence of ancient Near Eastern polytheistic practices.
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