or מִס; from מָסַס; properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor; discomfited, levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary).
Transliteration:maç
Pronunciation:mas
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4522}}` (מַס, *maç*), also appearing as מִס (*mis*), derives from the root `{{H4549}}` (מָסַס, *masas*), meaning "to melt," "to dissolve," or "to faint." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its core meaning: a burden so heavy or oppressive that it causes one to "melt away" or "faint" under its weight.
From this foundational sense of a debilitating burden, `{{H4522}}` developed a specialized semantic range:
1. **Forced Labor (Corvée):** This is the most prominent meaning, referring to compulsory, unpaid labor exacted by a ruler or conqueror. It encompasses the act of conscription, the labor itself, and the body of laborers.
2. **Tribute/Levy:** Payment or service exacted from a conquered people or a subject population. While often referring to labor, it can also imply a general subjugation or a tax.
3. **Taskmaster/Overseer:** In some contexts, it can refer to the official who oversees or imposes this forced labor.
The underlying concept is always one of subjugation, imposition, and the heavy, often debilitating, nature of the demand.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4522}}` appears approximately 20 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in historical books, illuminating various aspects of its meaning:
* **Early Conquest and Settlement:** The earliest occurrences often describe the fate of the Canaanite inhabitants who were not completely driven out but instead "put to forced labor" (לְמַס). Examples include [[Joshua 16:10]] (Ephraim and Gezer), [[Joshua 17:13]] (Manasseh and the Canaanites), and several instances in [[Judges 1]] ([[Judges 1:28]], [[Judges 1:30]], [[Judges 1:33]], [[Judges 1:35]]). This highlights `{{H4522}}` as a consequence of incomplete obedience to God's command and a means of subjugation.
* **The Monarchy and National Projects:** Under the Israelite monarchy, `{{H4522}}` became a tool for national development, particularly under King Solomon.
* [[1 Kings 5:13]] (NIV 5:27): Solomon "raised a levy of forced labor" (מַס) of 30,000 men from all Israel for building the Temple and his palace. This was a massive undertaking, signifying a significant burden on the populace.
* [[1 Kings 9:15]] and [[1 Kings 9:21]]: Solomon's `{{H4522}}` was primarily imposed on the non-Israelite peoples remaining in the land (Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites). However, [[1 Kings 5:13]] indicates Israelites were also subject to it.
* [[2 Samuel 20:24]] (and [[1 Kings 4:6]], [[1 Kings 12:18]], [[2 Chronicles 10:18]]): Adoniram (or Adoram) is identified as the official "in charge of the forced labor" (עַל הַמַּס). His stoning by the people during Rehoboam's reign ([[1 Kings 12:18]]) vividly demonstrates the deep resentment and oppressive nature associated with `{{H4522}}`. Rehoboam's threat to increase the burden of `{{H4522}}` ([[1 Kings 12:11]]) directly led to the division of the kingdom.
* **Prophetic and Poetic Usage:**
* [[Genesis 49:15]]: In Jacob's blessing, Issachar is prophesied to "bow his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to forced labor" (לְמַס עֹבֵד). This foreshadows a future of toil and subjugation for the tribe.
* [[Lamentations 1:1]]: Jerusalem, personified as a widow, is described as having "become a forced laborer" (הָיְתָה לָמַס). This powerful metaphor depicts the city's utter devastation, subjugation, and the crushing burden of its suffering after the Babylonian conquest.
Across these contexts, `{{H4522}}` consistently conveys a sense of imposed burden, loss of freedom, and often, hardship or oppression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H4522}}` is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms and broader concepts:
* **`{{H4549}}` (מָסַס, *masas*):** The verbal root, meaning "to melt," "to dissolve," "to faint," or "to lose courage." This etymological link emphasizes that `{{H4522}}` is not merely a tax or labor, but one that is debilitating and demoralizing. The burden is so severe it causes one's spirit or strength to "melt away."
* **`{{H5231}}` (נָגַשׂ, *nagas*):** "To drive," "to oppress," "to exact." This verb is frequently used in conjunction with `{{H4522}}` to describe the actions of taskmasters or oppressors who enforce forced labor (e.g., [[Exodus 5:6]] referring to Egyptian taskmasters, though not directly with `{{H4522}}`).
* **`{{H5547}}` (סֵבֶל, *sevel*):** A more general term for "burden" or "load." While `{{H4522}}` is a specific type of burden (forced labor/tribute), `{{H5547}}` can refer to any heavy load, including those imposed by oppressive rulers.
* **`{{H4560}}` (מַעֲשֵׂר, *ma'aser*):** "Tithe." This refers to a divinely ordained contribution, distinct from `{{H4522}}` which is a humanly imposed and often oppressive levy. The contrast highlights the difference between God's righteous demands and human exploitation.
* **`{{H4371}}` (מִכְסָה, *miksah*):** "Quota," "assessment." While related to the idea of a fixed amount to be paid or done, `{{H4522}}` specifically emphasizes the *forced labor* aspect rather than just a numerical quota.
Concepts related to `{{H4522}}` include:
* **Servitude and Slavery:** `{{H4522}}` represents a form of servitude, distinct from chattel slavery but involving a loss of freedom and personal agency.
* **Oppression:** The exacting of `{{H4522}}` is often portrayed as an act of oppression, causing distress and hardship.
* **Tribute and Taxation:** While `{{H4522}}` is a specific form, it falls under the broader umbrella of resources exacted by a ruling power.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{H4522}}` are profound, touching upon themes of divine judgment, human governance, and the nature of true freedom.
* **Consequence of Disobedience:** The imposition of `{{H4522}}` on the Canaanites in [[Joshua]] and [[Judges]] can be seen as a consequence of Israel's failure to fully obey God's command to drive them out. Their continued presence led to a relationship of subjugation, a diminished inheritance, and eventually, a source of spiritual compromise.
* **The Burden of Human Kingship:** The extensive use of `{{H4522}}` under Solomon, particularly on his own people, highlights the potential for human kingship to become burdensome and oppressive, contrasting with the ideal of God's benevolent rule. The people's outcry against Rehoboam's increased `{{H4522}}` ([[1 Kings 12]]) serves as a powerful theological statement: a king who burdens his people excessively risks divine judgment and the loss of his kingdom. This narrative underscores the prophetic warning given to Israel about the nature of kingship ([[1 Samuel 8:11-18]]).
* **Divine Judgment and Suffering:** In [[Lamentations 1:1]], Jerusalem's state of being "a forced laborer" is a stark image of divine judgment for her sins. The city's suffering is depicted as a heavy, crushing burden, mirroring the spiritual and physical consequences of rebellion against God. This usage powerfully evokes the etymological root of `{{H4522}}`, emphasizing the "melting" or "fainting" under the weight of God's righteous judgment.
* **Contrast with God's Yoke:** The oppressive nature of `{{H4522}}` stands in stark contrast to the "easy yoke" and "light burden" offered by Jesus Christ ([[Matthew 11:30]]). While `{{H4522}}` represents human-imposed, debilitating burdens, the yoke of Christ signifies liberation, rest, and a burden that leads to life. This contrast highlights the difference between earthly systems of control and the gracious freedom found in submission to God.
### Summary
`{{H4522}}` (מַס, *maç*) is a significant Hebrew term denoting a "burden that causes one to faint," specifically referring to forced labor, conscripted service, or tribute. Derived from the root `{{H4549}}` ("to melt"), it inherently conveys a sense of debilitating oppression. Biblically, `{{H4522}}` appears in contexts ranging from the subjugation of Canaanites by Israel ([[Joshua 16:10]]) to the massive building projects of King Solomon ([[1 Kings 5:13]]) and the subsequent rebellion against Rehoboam's oppressive policies ([[1 Kings 12:18]]). Theologically, `{{H4522}}` serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of disobedience, the inherent dangers of human kingship when it deviates from divine principles, and the crushing weight of divine judgment upon a sinful people, as vividly portrayed in [[Lamentations 1:1]]. It stands as a stark reminder of the heavy cost of human sin and rebellion, contrasting sharply with the light and liberating burden offered by God.
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