from חָמַד; delightful; hence, a delight, i.e. object of affection or desire; beloved, desire, goodly, lovely, pleasant (thing).
Transliteration:machmâd
Pronunciation:makh-mawd'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַחְמָד (machmâd, `{{H4261}}`) is derived from the root חָמַד (chamad, `{{H2530}}`), which signifies "to desire," "to covet," or "to delight in." As a noun, machmâd inherently conveys the idea of something that is "delightful," "precious," or an "object of affection or desire." Its semantic range extends to encompass anything considered "beloved," "goodly," "lovely," or a "pleasant thing." The word carries a strong connotation of value and desirability, reflecting a deep emotional or material attachment to the object or person described. While the root chamad can carry a negative sense of illicit coveting (as in the Tenth Commandment), machmâd itself typically describes the *object* of desire, which can be either legitimate and cherished or, in certain contexts, something that has become an idol or a source of misplaced affection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term machmâd appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Valuable Possessions and Treasures:** In [[1 Kings 20:6]], the Aramean king demands "all your desirable things" from Ahab, referring to valuable possessions. Similarly, [[2 Chronicles 32:27]] speaks of Hezekiah's immense wealth, including "all kinds of desirable articles," indicating precious jewels and treasures. This usage highlights the material wealth and highly valued possessions of individuals or nations.
* **The Temple and Sacred Objects:** A profoundly significant use of machmâd is in reference to the Temple in Jerusalem. In [[Isaiah 64:11]] (MT 64:10), the prophet laments, "Our holy and beautiful house, where our fathers praised you, has been burned with fire, and all our desirable things are in ruins." Here, "desirable things" can refer to the sacred furnishings and vessels of the Temple, or even the Temple itself. Most strikingly, in [[Ezekiel 24:21]], God declares, "Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul." The Temple is described as the object of their deepest affection and delight, underscoring its immense spiritual and emotional significance to the people of Judah.
* **Beloved People and Relationships:** The word also describes individuals held in deep affection. In [[Ezekiel 24:16]], the prophet's wife is called the "delight of your eyes" (machmâd 'êyneka), and her sudden death serves as a prophetic sign. Later, in [[Ezekiel 24:25]], the "desire of their eyes" and "delight of their soul" refers to the children of the exiles, whose loss would represent a profound personal catastrophe. This usage powerfully conveys the emotional bonds and cherished nature of human relationships.
* **Objects of Idolatry or Misplaced Affection:** In [[Hosea 9:6]], the prophet warns, "For behold, they are gone away from destruction; Egypt shall gather them, Memphis shall bury them. Their silver for their desirable things, nettles shall possess them." Here, "their desirable things" likely refers to their idols or the wealth they used to create them, which will ultimately be consumed by judgment. This highlights how machmâd can denote objects of sinful desire, leading to divine retribution.
* **Contexts of Loss and Judgment:** A recurring theme in the prophetic books is the removal or destruction of machmâd as a consequence of sin. The loss of precious possessions, the destruction of the beloved Temple, and the death of cherished family members are all presented as divine judgments, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly delights and the severity of God's discipline.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for machmâd is its root, חָמַד (chamad, `{{H2530}}`), which means "to desire," "to covet," or "to delight in." Other derivatives from this root include חֶמְדָּה (chemdah, `{{H2532}}`), which also means "desire," "pleasantness," or "preciousness," often used in contexts of desirable land or precious things.
Conceptually, machmâd relates to:
* **Value and Preciousness:** It denotes that which is highly esteemed, whether for its material worth, aesthetic beauty, or emotional significance.
* **Affection and Attachment:** The word speaks to deep emotional bonds, whether to people, places, or possessions.
* **Covetousness:** While machmâd itself is the *object* of desire, its connection to the root chamad inevitably links it to the concept of coveting, particularly when the desire becomes illicit or idolatrous.
* **Loss and Bereavement:** In many prophetic contexts, the removal of machmâd serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment, highlighting the pain of loss and the fragility of human attachments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of machmâd is profound, particularly in its portrayal of human attachments and divine sovereignty.
Firstly, machmâd illuminates what humanity deems valuable and delightful. From material wealth to the sacred Temple and beloved family members, these are the objects of deepest human affection and pride. The Bible does not inherently condemn delight in such things, but it consistently warns against allowing them to usurp God's rightful place in the heart.
Secondly, the frequent appearance of machmâd in contexts of loss and destruction (e.g., [[Lamentations 1:10]], [[Ezekiel 24:16-25]]) serves as a powerful theological statement. God, in His sovereignty, is able and willing to remove even the most cherished "delights" of His people as a form of judgment or discipline. This is particularly evident in the destruction of the Temple, which was the "desire of their eyes" ([[Ezekiel 24:21]]), yet was profaned by God Himself due to the people's idolatry and rebellion. This demonstrates that no earthly possession, relationship, or even sacred institution, however beloved, can stand in the way of divine justice or compete with God for ultimate devotion.
Finally, the usage of machmâd underscores a crucial theological truth: true and lasting delight is to be found in God alone. When human affections are misdirected towards created things, even good and beautiful ones, those things can become idols. The removal of machmâd in judgment serves to strip away these false securities and reorient the heart back to the Creator, who alone is worthy of ultimate desire and worship.
### Summary
מַחְמָד (machmâd, `{{H4261}}`) is a Hebrew noun signifying something highly desired, delightful, or precious. Derived from the root חָמַד (`{{H2530}}`) meaning "to desire," it encompasses a broad semantic range including beloved people, valuable possessions, and sacred places like the Temple. While inherently describing objects of affection, its biblical occurrences often appear within narratives of loss, judgment, and divine discipline. This usage highlights the transient nature of earthly delights and serves as a poignant reminder that even the most cherished human attachments can be removed by God to reorient hearts towards Him, emphasizing His ultimate sovereignty and the call for exclusive devotion.
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