### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term mimshâq (מִמְשָׁק, `{{H4476}}`) is derived from the same root as mesheq (מֶשֶׁק, `{{H4944}}`). The underlying semantic field relates to "possession" or "property," particularly in the context of livestock. While mesheq can denote stewardship or management of a household's assets, mimshâq specifically emphasizes the aspect of a "breeding place" or a "pasture" for animals. It conveys the idea of a place where a flock or herd is kept and multiplies, thus representing a form of living possession or wealth. The word implies a designated area for the sustenance and increase of animals, often in a context of open land suitable for grazing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mimshâq (מִמְשָׁק, `{{H4476}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel.
* **[[Ezekiel 25:5]]**: "I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and Ammon a **resting place** for flocks. Then you will know that I am the Lord."
* In this prophetic oracle against the Ammonites, the Lord declares judgment upon Rabbah, their capital city. The term mimshâq is used to describe the future state of Ammon, specifically that it will become a "resting place" or "breeding place" for flocks. The context is one of desolation and reversal of fortune. A vibrant urban center will be reduced to an uncultivated area suitable only for animal husbandry. This signifies a complete loss of human habitation, civilization, and prosperity, replaced by a primitive, wild state dominated by livestock. The transformation of a city into a mimshâq underscores the severity of divine judgment and the utter humiliation of the Ammonite people.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H4944}}` (מֶשֶׁק, mesheq): This noun is the direct etymological root of mimshâq. In [[Genesis 15:2]], it refers to Eliezer as the "steward of my house" or "possessor of my house," indicating control over Abraham's household and possessions. The connection to mimshâq highlights the concept of property and management, but mimshâq specifically applies this to livestock and their dwelling place.
* `{{H7723}}` (שָׁקַק, shaqaq): This verbal root, often linked to mesheq, can mean "to run about," "to rush," or "to overflow," particularly in reference to the movement or abundance of a large number of animals. This underscores the dynamic aspect of a mimshâq as a place where animals are not merely held, but also increase and thrive.
* **Concepts of Desolation and Judgment:** The use of mimshâq in [[Ezekiel 25:5]] aligns with broader biblical themes of divine judgment where prosperous lands and cities are rendered desolate, often becoming habitats for wild animals or grazing grounds for livestock (e.g., [[Isaiah 34:11-15]], [[Jeremiah 9:11]]). This transformation serves as a visible sign of God's wrath and the consequences of rebellion.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of mimshâq in [[Ezekiel 25:5]] carries profound theological weight as a descriptor of divine judgment. Its application to Rabbah, a significant Ammonite city, transforms a symbol of human power and habitation into a mere "possession" for animals. This imagery conveys several key theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** God demonstrates His absolute authority to humble the proud and bring low the mighty. The fate of Rabbah illustrates that no human stronghold is beyond the reach of His judgment.
* **Consequences of Hostility Towards God's People:** The Ammonites' rejoicing over Judah's destruction and their active animosity towards Israel are met with a fitting and severe punishment. Their land, which they used to oppress, becomes a place of desolation.
* **Reversal of Human Order:** The reduction of a city to a mimshâq signifies a complete reversal of human civilization and cultivated order. What was once a place of human flourishing and organized society becomes a wild, untamed space fit only for animals. This serves as a stark reminder that without divine blessing and adherence to God's will, human endeavors can ultimately revert to a state of chaos and unproductivity, stripped of their inherent dignity. It underscores the fragility of human achievements when divorced from their Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mimshâq (מִמְשָׁק, `{{H4476}}`) is a rare and potent term, appearing exclusively in [[Ezekiel 25:5]]. Derived from mesheq (`{{H4944}}`), it denotes a "possession," specifically a "breeding place" or "pasture" for livestock. In its sole biblical occurrence, mimshâq vividly portrays the desolation of Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, which is prophesied to become a mere grazing ground for camels and flocks. This imagery serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, illustrating God's sovereign power to humble nations and reverse human prosperity. The transformation of a city into an animal domain underscores the consequences of rebellion against God and the ultimate fragility of human order when divine favor is withdrawn.
TRV