### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מֵישָׁע (Mêyshâʻ, `{{H4337}}`) is primarily a proper noun, serving as a personal name. Its base definition indicates its derivation "from יָשַׁע," which is the verb יָשַׁע (yāshaʻ, `{{H3467}}`), meaning "to save, deliver, rescue, help." Therefore, the name מֵישָׁע inherently carries the semantic weight of "safety," "deliverance," or "salvation." While it functions as a designation for individuals, its etymological root imbues it with a profound conceptual meaning, pointing to the act or state of being saved or made secure. This connection to the root of salvation makes the name more than a mere identifier; it is a declaration of hope, a reflection of experience, or a statement of aspiration for security and well-being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name מֵישָׁע (Mêyshâʻ, `{{H4337}}`) appears in the Old Testament in three distinct contexts, each referring to a different individual:
1. **Mesha, Son of Caleb:** In [[1 Chronicles 2:42]], Mesha is identified as "the firstborn of Caleb the son of Hezron, the father of Ziph." This occurrence places Mesha within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, specifically through the lineage of Caleb. In this context, the name likely reflects a parental aspiration for their child's safety or a commemoration of divine deliverance experienced by the family or tribe. It is a name rooted in hope and the blessing of security.
2. **Mesha, Son of Shaharaim:** [[1 Chronicles 8:9]] lists Mesha as one of the sons of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh, within the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. Similar to the Calebite Mesha, this usage highlights the name's prevalence among Israelites and its connection to the theme of personal or familial well-being and divine protection.
3. **Mesha, King of Moab:** The most prominent and significant occurrence of מֵישָׁע is in [[2 Kings 3:4]], where he is identified as "Mesha king of Moab." This Mesha was a powerful vassal king who "used to deliver to the king of Israel 100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams." His rebellion against Israel after the death of Ahab led to a major military campaign involving the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom. The irony of his name, "safety" or "deliverance," is striking. From his perspective, his rebellion was an act to secure Moab's safety and independence from Israelite subjugation. This historical figure is also famously attested on the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), where he recounts his victories and dedication to his god Chemosh, further underscoring his pursuit of national "safety" and sovereignty, albeit from a non-Yahwistic framework.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word to מֵישָׁע (Mêyshâʻ, `{{H4337}}`) is its root verb, יָשַׁע (yāshaʻ, `{{H3467}}`), which means "to save, deliver, rescue, help." This root is foundational to a vast array of biblical concepts related to salvation. Other directly related nominal forms include:
* יְשׁוּעָה (yeshûʻâ, `{{H3444}}`): "salvation, deliverance, help, welfare." This is a frequently used term for God's saving acts.
* יֵשַׁע (yeshaʻ, `{{H3468}}`): "salvation, deliverance."
* תְּשׁוּעָה (teshûʻâ, `{{H8668}}`): "salvation, deliverance."
These terms collectively form a robust semantic field centered on the idea of rescue, preservation, and the provision of security, often with a strong theological implication of divine intervention. Conceptually, מֵישָׁע is intrinsically linked to themes of divine protection, human reliance on a higher power for security, and the ultimate source of true deliverance.
### Theological Significance
While מֵישָׁע (Mêyshâʻ, `{{H4337}}`) is a proper noun, its etymological root in יָשַׁע (yāshaʻ, `{{H3467}}`) imbues it with profound theological significance. The very concept of "safety" or "deliverance" is central to biblical theology, as God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate deliverer and source of salvation for His people.
When applied to Israelites, the name Mesha likely served as a testimony or prayer, reflecting the parents' faith in Yahweh as their deliverer and the source of their family's security. It would have been a constant reminder of God's saving acts in their history and personal lives.
The case of Mesha, King of Moab, presents a fascinating theological contrast. His name, meaning "safety," highlights the universal human yearning for security. However, his pursuit of safety and independence was rooted in his own strength and the power of his god, Chemosh, rather than Yahweh. The narrative in [[2 Kings 3]] implicitly critiques such self-reliance, demonstrating that ultimate deliverance and true safety do not come from human rebellion or pagan deities, but from the sovereign God of Israel. The tragic end of the Moabite king's rebellion, despite his desperate measures, underscores the futility of seeking lasting safety apart from the divine will. Thus, the name "Mesha" paradoxically points to the true source of salvation by contrasting it with human and idolatrous attempts to achieve it.
### Summary
The Hebrew term מֵישָׁע (Mêyshâʻ, `{{H4337}}`) is a proper noun, primarily functioning as a personal name. Derived from the verb יָשַׁע (yāshaʻ, `{{H3467}}`), meaning "to save" or "deliver," the name itself signifies "safety" or "deliverance." It appears in the biblical text as the name of two Israelites in the genealogical records of [[1 Chronicles 2:42]] and [[1 Chronicles 8:9]], where it likely reflects a hope for or testimony to divine protection. Most notably, it designates Mesha, the King of Moab, in [[2 Kings 3:4]], whose rebellion against Israel ironically contrasts his name's meaning with his actions. The theological significance of מֵישָׁע lies in its direct link to the overarching biblical theme of salvation. While humans universally seek safety, the narrative surrounding the name, particularly concerning the King of Moab, subtly points to the truth that ultimate and lasting "safety" or "deliverance" is found not in human strength or pagan gods, but solely in the saving power of Yahweh.
TRV