### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **machăbêʼ**, represented by `{{H4224}}`, is a specific term for a **refuge** or **hiding (lurking) place**. It is derived from the root word `חָבָא` (châbâʼ). Though it appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, its usage highlights concepts of both divine protection and human concealment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H4224}}` is used in two distinct contexts. In [[1 Samuel 23:23]], it refers to the physical "**lurking places**" where David hid from Saul, emphasizing secrecy and concealment. The verse connects the place `{{H4224}}` to the action of hiding `{{H2244}}`. In contrast, [[Isaiah 32:2]] uses the term metaphorically, prophesying that a man will be "as an **hiding place** from the wind," signifying a source of refuge and divine protection from life's tempests.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of hiding and refuge:
* `{{H2244}}` **châbâʼ** (to secrete; hide (self), do secretly): This is the root verb from which `{{H4224}}` is derived. It describes the act of hiding, as when Adam and his wife "**hid themselves** from the presence of the LORD" [[Genesis 3:8]].
* `{{H5643}}` **çêther** (a cover... hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place)): Used alongside `{{H4224}}` in [[Isaiah 32:2]], this word also denotes a place of protection. It is frequently used in the Psalms to describe God as a "**secret** place" or "**hiding place**" ([[Psalms 91:1]], [[Psalms 32:7]]).
* `{{H6738}}` **tsêl** (shade, whether literal or figurative; defence, shade(-ow)): This word illustrates refuge through the metaphor of shade. It appears with `{{H4224}}` in [[Isaiah 32:2]] and is used in Psalms to describe abiding under the "**shadow** of the Almighty" [[Psalms 91:1]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H4224}}` lies in its duality, representing both physical hiding and spiritual refuge.
* **Human Concealment:** The use of `{{H4224}}` in [[1 Samuel 23:23]] points to the physical act of hiding from a mortal enemy. This is reinforced by the root verb `{{H2244}}`, which is used to describe Adam hiding from God in the garden [[Genesis 3:10]] and the poor of the earth hiding themselves together [[Job 24:4]].
* **Divine Refuge:** In [[Isaiah 32:2]], the concept is elevated to a spiritual metaphor. A man becomes a "**hiding place**," a source of security and stability. This theme is expanded by related words like `{{H5643}}` and `{{H6738}}`, which are used to describe God as a protective refuge [[Psalms 32:7]] and a sheltering "**shadow**" [[Psalms 91:1]].
* **A Place of Security:** Whether physical or spiritual, the term points to a place of safety. The promise in Isaiah is of a man who will be a refuge, a covert, and like the shadow of a great rock in a weary land [[Isaiah 32:2]]. Similarly, God is a hiding place who preserves from trouble [[Psalms 32:7]].
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only twice, `{{H4224}}` **machăbêʼ** captures a powerful dual concept. It can describe a physical, tactical "**lurking place**" for someone in hiding, as well as a metaphorical "**hiding place**" that offers spiritual refuge and protection. Its meaning is deepened by its association with words for the act of hiding `{{H2244}}` and other terms for divine shelter like **çêther** `{{H5643}}` and **tsêl** `{{H6738}}`, illustrating the biblical contrast between hiding *from* a threat and hiding *in* a source of strength.
TRV