from מִי and אֵל with the abbreviated form insep. relatively (see אֲשֶׁר) interposed; who (is) what God (is) ?; Mishael, the name of three Israelites; Mishael.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mîyshâʼêl**, represented by `{{H4332}}`, is defined as **who (is) what God (is) ?**. It appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses** and is used as the proper name for three distinct Israelites. The name itself poses a theological question, reflecting on the nature and incomparability of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H4332}}` appears in three separate narratives. The most detailed account is of **Mishael**, one of the children of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` taken into Babylonian exile along with Daniel, Hananiah, and Azariah [[Daniel 1:6]]. The prince of the eunuchs gave him the Babylonian name Meshach [[Daniel 1:7]], but he and his companions were found to be without equal after being communed with by the king [[Daniel 1:19]]. A second **Mishael** was a Levite, one of the sons of Uzziel [[Exodus 6:22]]. This **Mishael** was called by Moses `{{H4872}}` to carry his brethren from the sanctuary out of the camp [[Leviticus 10:4]]. The third **Mishael** is listed as one of the men who stood at the left hand of Ezra `{{H5830}}` the scribe when he read the Law to the people from a pulpit of wood [[Nehemiah 8:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related individuals are key to understanding the context of the three Mishaels:
* `{{H1840}}` **Dânîyêʼl** (judge of God): A central figure in the Babylonian exile, **Daniel** is consistently mentioned alongside **Mishael** as one of the children of Judah [[Daniel 1:6]]. When the prince of the eunuchs gave names, **Daniel** was named Belteshazzar [[Daniel 1:7]].
* `{{H5816}}` **ʻUzzîyʼêl** (strength of God): The father of the Levite **Mishael**, establishing his lineage and role. The sons of **Uzziel** were **Mishael**, Elzaphan, and Zithri [[Exodus 6:22]].
* `{{H5830}}` **ʻEzrâʼ** (Ezra, an Israelite): The scribe who led the public reading of the Law. **Mishael** stood beside **Ezra** in a position of support during this significant act of spiritual renewal [[Nehemiah 8:4]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H4332}}` carries significance through the actions of the individuals who bore it.
* **Faithfulness in Exile:** The story of **Mishael** in Babylon [[Daniel 1:6-19]] is a testament to maintaining identity and faithfulness to God while in a foreign land. Despite receiving a new name, his distinction was recognized by the king.
* **Sacred Duty:** The Levite **Mishael** was entrusted by Moses with the solemn responsibility of handling the dead from before the sanctuary [[Leviticus 10:4]], demonstrating a role tied to the holiness of God and the Levitical priesthood.
* **Communal Leadership:** The third **Mishael** stood with Ezra and other leaders, publicly affirming the reading of the Law [[Nehemiah 8:4]]. This act represents his role in the spiritual restoration of the community.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4332}}` is a name borne by three Israelites at pivotal moments in the nation's history. From the challenges of the Babylonian exile to the sacred duties within the camp of Israel and the post-exilic restoration, each **Mishael** plays a part in the larger scriptural narrative. Their stories collectively provide a living answer to the question posed by their name—"who (is) what God (is) ?"—by demonstrating faithfulness, service, and leadership under God's authority.
TRV