from מָחָה; a stroke, i.e. battering-ram; engines.
Transliteration:mᵉchîy
Pronunciation:mekh-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4239}}` (מְחִי, *mᵉchîy*) is directly derived from the root verb `{{H4229}}` (מָחָה, *machah*), which carries the primary meaning of "to wipe, blot out, erase, obliterate, destroy." Consequently, `{{H4239}}` inherits this foundational sense of forceful removal or destruction. Its semantic range primarily encompasses "a stroke," specifically in the context of violent impact, and is used to denote "battering-rams" or other "engines" of siege warfare. The word thus describes an instrument designed to deliver a powerful, destructive blow, aiming to breach or obliterate a barrier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4239}}` (מְחִי, *mᵉchîy*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Ezekiel.
* [[Ezekiel 26:9]]: "And he will direct the stroke of his battering rams against your walls, and with his axes he will break down your towers."
* In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is delivering a divine oracle against the proud city of Tyre. The "he" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who is God's chosen instrument of judgment against Tyre.
* The phrase "the stroke of his battering rams" (מְחִי כָּרֵינוֹ, *mᵉchîy kāreynō*) vividly describes the destructive force that will be unleashed upon Tyre's formidable defenses. The "stroke" refers to the repeated, forceful impacts of these siege engines designed to demolish city walls.
* The context is one of total military subjugation and obliteration, emphasizing the overwhelming power of the approaching army, which is, in fact, an agent of divine wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb from which `{{H4239}}` is derived:
* `{{H4229}}` (מָחָה, *machah*): "to wipe, blot out, erase, destroy." This root is crucial for understanding the destructive nature inherent in `{{H4239}}`. The "stroke" of the battering ram is precisely what "wipes out" or "blots out" the city's defenses. Examples of `{{H4229}}` include blotting out a name ([[Exodus 32:32]]), wiping out a people ([[Genesis 7:4]]), or erasing a sin ([[Psalm 51:1]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Siege Warfare:** The broader context of the word points to the methods and instruments used in ancient siege operations, such as siege mounds (סֹלְלָה, *solelah*, `{{H5550}}`) and battering rams (כָּרִים, *karim*, `{{H3733}}`, which is the plural of a related word found in [[Ezekiel 26:9]] alongside `{{H4239}}`).
* **Destruction and Overthrow:** Words signifying demolition, such as `{{H2040}}` (הָרַס, *haras*, "to tear down, demolish") or `{{H5422}}` (נָתַץ, *natats*, "to pull down, break down"), resonate with the outcome intended by the "stroke" of the battering ram.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H4239}}` in [[Ezekiel 26:9]] carries profound theological weight, primarily within the framework of divine judgment and sovereignty:
* **Divine Instrument of Judgment:** The "battering rams" are not merely human inventions; in Ezekiel's prophecy, they are instruments in the hand of God. Nebuchadnezzar's army, wielding these destructive tools, acts as the agent of Yahweh's wrath against Tyre. This highlights God's absolute control over nations and their destinies, even utilizing pagan kings to accomplish His purposes.
* **Irresistible Force of God's Will:** The imagery of the "stroke" of the battering ram conveys an overwhelming and irresistible force. No matter how strong Tyre's walls or how confident its inhabitants, they cannot withstand the judgment ordained by God. This underscores the futility of human resistance when confronted with divine decree.
* **Consequences of Pride and Rebellion:** Tyre's destruction, brought about by these powerful "strokes," serves as a stark theological lesson on the consequences of national pride, commercial idolatry, and defiance against God's moral order. The physical demolition of the city reflects the spiritual bankruptcy and ultimate downfall of those who oppose God.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The specific mention of "battering rams" and their "stroke" contributes to the detailed nature of Ezekiel's prophecy, which was meticulously fulfilled. This reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's prophetic word.
### Summary
`{{H4239}}` (מְחִי, *mᵉchîy*) is a rare but impactful Hebrew term, directly rooted in `{{H4229}}` ("to wipe out, obliterate"). It signifies "a stroke" or, more specifically, a "battering-ram" or "siege engine." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 26:9]] powerfully describes the instruments of destruction employed by Nebuchadnezzar against the city of Tyre. Theologically, `{{H4239}}` serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment executed with irresistible force. It underscores God's sovereignty over nations, His use of human agents to fulfill His purposes, and the inevitable consequences of pride and rebellion against His will. The "stroke" of the battering ram represents the physical manifestation of a divinely ordained obliteration, demonstrating that no human defense can stand against the determined hand of God.
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