### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉchîy**, represented by `{{H4239}}`, translates as a **stroke**, and more specifically as a **battering-ram** or **engines**. Derived from מָחָה, its meaning is tied to the act of striking. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H4239}}` is found in a prophecy against Tyre. In [[Ezekiel 26:9]], the text describes a siege, stating, "And he shall set **engines** of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers." Here, **mᵉchîy** refers to the heavy siege machinery, like battering-rams, that would be used to assault and breach the city's formidable defenses, underscoring the intensity of the prophesied attack.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context help clarify the meaning and function of `{{H4239}}`:
* `{{H6904}}` **qôbel** (war): This word appears directly with `{{H4239}}` in [[Ezekiel 26:9]] as "engines of **war**," defining the purpose of the machinery as instruments for military conquest. It is defined as a battering-ram itself, reinforcing the theme.
* `{{H5422}}` **nâthats** (to tear down): This verb describes the outcome of using the engines and axes. The purpose is to **break down** the towers [[Ezekiel 26:9]], signifying total destruction and overthrow.
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (a cutting instrument... axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool): Used in the same verse for the **axes** that accompany the siege engines, this word highlights the array of destructive tools employed in the assault [[Ezekiel 26:9]].
### Theological Significance
Though it appears only once, the theological weight of `{{H4239}}` comes from its specific context in Ezekiel's prophecy.
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The **engine** `{{H4239}}` is not merely a human weapon but an instrument used to execute divine judgment against the pride of Tyre.
* **Overthrow of Human Defenses:** The use of a battering-ram against walls and towers symbolizes the futility of human strength and fortifications when faced with a divine decree of destruction [[Ezekiel 26:9]].
* **Tangible Depiction of Wrath:** The word provides a vivid, concrete image of the force that will be brought against the city. It is part of a cluster of terms—including setting `{{H5414}}` the engines and breaking down `{{H5422}}` the towers—that illustrates the totality of the coming desolation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4239}}` is a highly specific term for a siege engine or battering-ram. Its single appearance in scripture is powerful, providing a graphic illustration of military destruction within a prophecy of divine judgment. It functions as a key component in the vocabulary of warfare used in [[Ezekiel 26:9]] to portray the complete and forceful overthrow of a defiant city.
TRV